Geiten, een paard en mannenkoppen 1840

Johannes Tavenraat rendered this graphite composition of resting animals and portraits. The arrangement of the sketches across the page creates a dynamic interplay of form. Loose, gestural lines define the contours of goats, a horse, and men’s heads, giving each figure a sense of volume without fully enclosing them. This technique invites the viewer's eye to complete the forms, participating in the visual experience. The interplay of light and shadow, achieved through subtle gradations of graphite, enhances the texture and dimensionality. The use of hatching creates tonal depth, particularly noticeable in the rendering of the reclining goats. By employing such open-ended, yet precise mark-making, Tavenraat challenges conventional representational strategies, prompting us to reconsider the relationship between perception and artistic representation.