Haas 1840 - 1870

This sketch of a hare was made by Johannes Tavenraat using pen in brown and brush in gray on paper. Notice how the translucency of the paper allows the gray brushstrokes to subtly define the animal’s form and convey the hare's movement. The artist has masterfully used the inherent qualities of ink and paper to capture the hare's agility and vitality with swift strokes and minimal detail. Tavenraat has also used traditional fine art practices of sketching and illustration here to depict the subject. The work, achieved with speed and simplicity, is imbued with a sense of observation and deep knowledge of the animal. The quick, sparse lines and shading may reflect the economic conditions and the need to produce efficiently, or perhaps simply a stylistic choice geared towards capturing fleeting moments in nature. Ultimately, appreciating the materials and the artist's mark-making process enhances our understanding and interpretation of the artwork.