Figuur met een jachtgeweer 1840 - 1841

Johannes Tavenraat made this pencil drawing titled 'Figure with a shotgun'. This rough sketch gives us an insight into the social and cultural norms around hunting in the Netherlands in the 19th century. At this time, hunting was more than just a means of obtaining food; it was a social activity deeply intertwined with class and land ownership. Owning hunting grounds and firearms signified status and power, reinforcing existing social hierarchies. The image shows a figure holding a shotgun. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, plays a role in preserving and presenting the nation's cultural heritage, thereby influencing how we perceive and understand historical practices. Examining period literature, hunting regulations, and social commentaries from the 19th century would give us more insights into this artwork and the social values it reflects. The meaning of this drawing is contingent on the social and institutional context in which it was created and displayed.