Hond die een hert achterna zit 1862 - 1864

This is Johannes Tavenraat's sketch of a dog chasing a deer. Without a date, it's tricky to nail down the exact historical moment, but Tavenraat lived during a time of significant social change in the Netherlands. Looking closely, the sketch gives us a glimpse into 19th-century Dutch society, where hunting was both a pastime for the wealthy and a means of survival for others. The stark contrast between the pursuing dog and fleeing deer might also be a symbol of the societal hierarchies of the time. The dynamic lines convey a sense of urgency and desperation; the deer's fight for survival mirrors the daily struggles of those on the margins of society. The sketch is a compelling visual narrative of power, survival, and the complex relationship between humans and nature. It evokes a feeling of empathy for both hunter and hunted.