Boerenwoning met een rieten kap 1842 - 1868

Here we see Johannes Tavenraat's drawing of a farmhouse with a thatched roof, made with pen in grey. The interplay of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and texture, inviting us to consider the relationship between form and structure. The composition is dominated by the strong diagonal lines of the roof, contrasting with the more horizontal emphasis of the walls. The rough, sketch-like quality emphasizes the materiality of the drawing itself, highlighting the artist's process. This suggests a focus on the authenticity of rural life, moving away from idealised representation. Tavenraat’s drawing destabilizes the traditional view of landscape art. It’s a shift towards modernism where the visual experience of the drawing and the structures that underpin it become paramount. The artwork thus becomes a site where we can explore the meaning of art itself.