Portrait of a Servant, Hendrik Pothoven, c. 1780

drawing, h 329mm × w 210mm More details

This powerful drawing expresses a sense of tenderness. Rare among figure studies by Pothoven, it work highlights the sitter’s face, suggesting that the artist was captivated by him. Delicate strokes of chalk convey the gentleness of this young man’s downward gaze, in striking contrast to his earring and headdress – common attributes of black servants in elite households during this period.