Notities 1858 - 1859

This page of 'Notes' was made by Johannes Tavenraat in the Netherlands, though we don't know exactly when. But what can we learn from it? Consider the institutions that gave shape to the art of this period: for example, the Dutch academies which trained artists in certain styles and subjects, but also the art market which rewarded some kinds of art while neglecting others. We might ask, how did these forces shape Tavenraat's work? Was he trying to appeal to the art market or the academy, or was he pursuing his own unique vision? Was he a progressive artist, or conservative? To know more, you could dig into the archives. Look at exhibition reviews from the time, to see how Tavenraat's art was received. Read historical accounts of the art world in the Netherlands, to understand the social and economic context in which he worked. This will help us understand the role of art as contingent on its historical and institutional setting.