Twee mannenhoofden met tulband 1803 - 1846

Paulus Charles Gerard Poelman created this etching, "Two Male Heads with Turban", sometime before 1846. The close proximity of the two heads invites a comparison of their forms. Observe how the artist uses line to create texture and depth. The man on the left's turban and beard are defined by swirling, almost chaotic lines, giving him a somewhat mystical appearance. In contrast, the figure on the right is rendered with smoother, more uniform strokes, emphasizing the precise folds of his turban and the sharp profile of his face. Poelman plays with the semiotics of costume, where the turban is not merely headwear but a signifier of cultural identity and perhaps social status. These contrasting styles may reflect the artist’s engagement with themes of cultural difference and representation. The etching doesn't offer fixed meanings but rather engages with the viewer in questioning the portrayed differences.