Berekeningen bij een namenlijst after 1854

This list of calculations by Johannes Tavenraat, created at an unknown date, is more than just numbers on paper. It is a window into the cultural memory of accounting, with the marks and notations carrying symbolic weight. Observe how the simple act of counting, represented by a series of vertical strokes and crossed lines, echoes similar tally systems used throughout history, from ancient civilizations to medieval merchants. These marks transcend their immediate purpose, becoming visual links to our collective past. The act of counting, quantifying, and making sense of the world around us, has evolved into modern mathematics and statistics. The careful arrangement of names and numbers also evokes psychological undertones. The act of listing and categorizing can be seen as an attempt to impose order on the world. This resonates with humanity’s desire to find meaning and understanding amid the chaos of existence. Ultimately, this artwork reveals the enduring nature of symbols, resurfacing and evolving across time and cultures.