Koe, van opzij gezien Possibly 1858 - 1859

This pencil sketch of a cow seen from the side is by Johannes Tavenraat. The composition of the sketch immediately strikes us with its simplicity and focus on form. Tavenraat employs a delicate network of lines to define the cow's mass and volume. There is a clear interest in capturing the essence of the animal, rather than providing a detailed, realistic depiction. The sketch reflects a broader artistic interest in the study of natural forms and the underlying structures that define them. Note how the sparse application of lines not only suggests the cow's physical presence, but also allows the surrounding space to interact with the figure. This interplay between figure and ground destabilizes the conventional idea of a subject isolated from its environment. It reminds us that objects exist within a field of relations. It’s a simple sketch, but through its formal qualities, it invites us to consider the cow not just as an individual entity, but as part of a larger system.