Herten 1869

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing, Herten, using pen and ink on blue paper. The quick, energetic lines of the pen capture the movement and vitality of the deer, while the choice of blue paper creates an atmospheric backdrop, but what really interests me is the making process itself. The immediacy of the drawing, with its spontaneous strokes and minimal shading, suggests a direct engagement with the subject, showing an awareness of the animal’s form. The sketch-like quality of the work gives us a sense of the artist at work, rapidly capturing a fleeting moment. Tavenraat was not only recording the appearance of the animals, but also the experience of observing them. He wasn't laboring away at a highly finished picture to submit to a salon. In his eyes, this drawing would have been a valuable exercise, not a commodity. This approach elevates the value of the artist’s skill and perception, reminding us that art is not just about the finished product, but also about the act of creation.