Waterval van Krimml Possibly 1858 - 1859

This is Johannes Tavenraat’s sketch of the Krimml Waterfalls. Made with ink on paper, the drawing captures a powerful sense of cascading movement, despite its limited palette. Notice how Tavenraat uses line to create a dynamic composition. The falls surge from upper right to lower left, constructed from a series of rapid, broken lines. These marks evoke the form and texture of the rock as well as the water's turbulence. The absence of color directs our focus to the structure and rhythm of the lines. The sketch defies traditional landscape conventions. Tavenraat does not aim to represent the scene realistically. Instead, the composition invites us to consider the elemental forces at play. The repetitive lines suggest a visual echo, or a continuous flow that transcends any fixed moment. This approach shifts away from a purely representational mode towards an exploration of form and energy. Consider how this emphasis on the structural elements transforms our understanding of the subject. It’s a site of constant flux, a place where the interplay of line and form constitutes its own reality.