Hert 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing of a deer with pen in gray ink on paper. The ink is applied in light washes and confident lines, capturing the movement and form of the animal. The choice of materials and process speaks to a tradition of sketching and draftsmanship, with close attention to detail and to recording observations from life. Ink on paper is a relatively accessible and portable medium, well-suited to capturing fleeting moments and preliminary ideas. The drawing is a study of form and movement, with the artist using the fluidity of ink to create a sense of vitality and energy. The thin paper support suggests this was intended as a study. This drawing shows that a lot of thought went into portraying the animal. This piece blurs the boundaries between fine art and craft traditions of natural history illustration and scientific observation.