Figuurstudies, paarden en honden 1840

Johannes Tavenraat made these study drawings of figures, horses, and dogs in the Netherlands, most likely sometime in the mid-19th century. This sketch exemplifies a common practice among academic artists of that time. Tavenraat used sketchbooks like this to hone his skill in depicting the natural world, specifically the bodies of humans and animals. These studies are not casual doodles but exercises meant to improve his ability to realistically represent his subjects. The Netherlands during this period was a constitutional monarchy and saw the rise of the Hague School, which promoted realism in painting. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is held, played a pivotal role in shaping artistic tastes and canonizing artists. Understanding the conventions of academic art and the institutions that supported it is crucial to understanding the social conditions that shaped Tavenraat's artistic production. Examining related drawings and the curricula of art academies can provide valuable insights into the function and meaning of such works.