Haas 1840 - 1880

This study of a "Haas," or hare, was made by Johannes Tavenraat using pen in brown ink, giving the sketch a warm, earthy quality. You can almost feel the animal's frantic energy through the artist's quick, confident strokes. The choice of pen and ink, rather than a more academic medium like oil paint, speaks to the practical nature of this work. It's a study, a moment captured, and not necessarily intended as a finished piece. There is an inherent immediacy and unpretentiousness, as Tavenraat engages with the animal. He uses strokes and controlled blots of ink to create tonal variation, thereby giving us a sense of the animal's weight. The drawing gives us insight into artistic labor of the time; a way to understand the world in its fleeting movements, and a way for the artist to hone their craft. The artist is also showing his technical skill and understanding of animal anatomy, suggesting he must have spent countless hours studying live animals. By understanding the materials and context, we can fully appreciate the skill and artistic vision on display.