Two South African Khoisan men; one smokes a pipe 1662

Esaias Boursse rendered these two South African Khoisan men in graphite on paper in the mid-17th century. The starkness of the graphite emphasizes the men's features and postures. The artist used delicate strokes for the shading and contours, giving them an undeniable presence on the page. The choice of graphite on paper underscores the intersection of artistry and ethnography during this period. The use of this medium allowed for detailed, replicable images, aligning with the emerging scientific interest in documenting different cultures. The artist's hand, the pressure and speed of their strokes, played a crucial role in capturing the likeness and character of the subjects. Although the drawing might appear straightforward, it reflects the complex social dynamics of the time, capturing the artist's perception of the Khoisan people and sparking conversations about cultural representation. Ultimately, by acknowledging the materials, the making, and the historical context, we gain a richer understanding of the artwork.