Haas 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing of a hare, simply with pen and brown ink on paper. It's a very immediate, informal drawing. You can almost imagine the artist quickly sketching what he sees in front of him. The thin paper support allows for spontaneity, there's very little investment in the materials. The artist is not trying to create a timeless masterpiece, but rather capture a fleeting moment. Tavenraat uses the pen to create a quick, wiry line. The ink pools in some areas, creating darker shadows and suggesting depth. You can feel the speed of the artist's hand, and the liveliness of the hare. It looks as if it's running away from something. This immediacy, the sense of a direct connection between the artist's eye and hand, is what makes this drawing so compelling. It reminds us that art doesn't always have to be about elaborate techniques or expensive materials. Sometimes, the simplest things can be the most powerful.