Bust of Man With Thick Lips 1620 - 1674

Jan Lievens created this etching, "Bust of Man With Thick Lips," sometime in the 17th century, a period marked by expanding European exploration and colonialism. Lievens, working in the Dutch Golden Age, was part of a culture grappling with its burgeoning global presence and the representation of those it encountered. In this intimate portrait, Lievens captures the gaze of a man with full lips, a feature that, viewed through the lens of the time, might have carried the weight of racial stereotypes and the power dynamics inherent in cross-cultural interactions. Lievens' work prompts us to consider the role of art in shaping perceptions and perpetuating, or challenging, societal biases. How do we, as contemporary viewers, engage with historical depictions of individuals whose identities and experiences may have been vastly different from those in the dominant culture? The emotional weight of this image lies in its capacity to evoke empathy and critical reflection on the complexities of representation, identity, and historical understanding.