Figuren in het Haagse Bos 1874 - 1879

Johannes Tavenraat made this pencil drawing, titled "Figures in the Haagse Bos", in 1874. It captures a scene in The Hague Woods, featuring two figures seated among the trees. The Hague Woods, or "Haagse Bos," wasn't just a natural landscape, it was interwoven with the social fabric of the city. In the 19th century, it was a popular destination for leisure, recreation, and social interaction among different social classes. Spaces like this played a crucial role in shaping social identities and reinforcing social norms. Consider how the act of sketching outdoors connects with emerging artistic practices of the time, influenced by the Barbizon School in France, with their focus on working directly from nature. The Rijksmuseum holds a wealth of information about artists like Tavenraat. Delving into these archives can reveal details about his artistic training, his participation in art societies, and his relationship to broader artistic trends.