Boerenwoning met een rieten kap 1842 - 1868

This is a pencil drawing of a farmhouse with a thatched roof by Johannes Tavenraat. The composition is dominated by the textured mass of the thatched roof, meticulously rendered through dense, overlapping lines. This contrasts with the relatively bare foreground, creating a visual tension that draws the eye upward. The structure of the farmhouse itself is articulated through a network of finely drawn lines, emphasizing the rustic nature of the building. Tavenraat's use of line isn't merely descriptive; it's structural, defining form and space with an almost architectural precision. The hatching and cross-hatching techniques build up areas of shadow and light, adding depth and volume to the scene. This treatment transforms the humble farmhouse into a subject worthy of careful observation and appreciation. Notice the way the lines converge and diverge, creating a sense of movement and energy within the seemingly static subject matter. This interplay of line and form elevates the drawing beyond a simple depiction of a rural scene, inviting us to consider the underlying structure and composition as the primary focus.