Singelgracht in Delft 1862 - 1868

Johannes Tavenraat made this sketch of Singelgracht in Delft in 1862 using graphite and possibly watercolor on paper. The open sketchbook format gives us insight into Tavenraat’s artistic process. The quick lines and shading suggest he was capturing a fleeting moment, rapidly recording the scene before him. You can almost feel the artist’s hand moving across the paper, responding to the visual information. The texture of the paper itself plays a role, with its slight graininess subtly influencing the marks made by the graphite. The use of graphite and watercolor also reflects the accessibility and portability of these materials. Unlike working with oils or more elaborate techniques, Tavenraat could easily carry his sketchbook and capture scenes wherever he went. This suggests a democratization of artmaking, where the ability to observe and record becomes more important than elaborate studio production. This unassuming sketch is a reminder that art is often about the act of seeing and recording, using humble materials to capture the essence of a place and time.