Acht karikaturale hoofden 1868 - 1869

Johannes Tavenraat created this study of eight heads using pen in brown ink, and brush in brown wash. Looking closely, it's evident that Tavenraat wasn't after a polished finish. The quick, sketch-like quality of the line work and the fluid washes suggest a process of immediate capture, typical of a study. The thinness of the ink and wash allows the paper to play an important part in the aesthetic. The tooth of the paper interacts with the pen and brush, creating texture and highlights. There is a sense of the artist exploring the capabilities of a humble tool - the pen - to record a variety of human expression. This directness of approach, typical in craft, brings us closer to Tavenraat's creative process and sensibility, rather than a more 'finished' painting. This offers an opportunity to challenge conventional distinctions between the fine arts and the applied arts. It encourages us to value the immediacy and skill present in the act of drawing.