Haas 1840 - 1880

This quick pen sketch of a hare was made by Johannes Tavenraat in the 19th century. Look closely at the hare, an animal that has been a symbol of fertility and vulnerability across cultures. In ancient times, the hare was associated with lunar deities, embodying the rhythms of nature and the mysteries of the night. Consider its appearance in medieval bestiaries, where it often symbolized both cowardice and cunning, a duality reflected in folklore and art throughout the ages. Think of Dürer's famous "Young Hare," a study in naturalism, yet imbued with an almost spiritual reverence for life. The hare's recurring presence across diverse eras and geographies suggests a deeper resonance, tapping into our primal understanding of life's fragility and endurance. This small sketch, then, is not just an image of a hare; it is a vessel of collective memory.