Jachthond 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat sketched ‘Jachthond’ with pen in brown ink, capturing a hunting dog in repose. Tavenraat lived during a period of significant social and political change in the Netherlands, navigating the transition from monarchy to a more democratic society. Hunting was closely tied to the aristocracy and upper classes. The depiction of the dog is imbued with an emotional complexity. It reflects the historical relationship between humans and animals, and the emotional bonds formed through hunting and companionship. The artwork offers an alternative narrative by focusing on the dog itself, rather than the hunt. Tavenraat captures a moment of vulnerability in the animal's posture, which goes beyond mere representation. Ultimately, 'Jachthond’ encapsulates a moment of rest, reflecting the societal roles and personal experiences intertwined in 19th-century Dutch life, and reminding us of the complex relationships that bind humans and animals.