Mannen met honden, te voet en te paard 1840 - 1868

This sketch, "Mannen met honden, te voet en te paard," was created by Johannes Tavenraat in the 19th century. Through the strokes of his pencil, Tavenraat offers us a glimpse into the hierarchical structures of Dutch society. The composition is dominated by men, some on foot and others on horseback, accompanied by their dogs. In 19th century Dutch culture, hunting was more than just a sport; it was a social ritual, a display of status. Horses, in particular, were a symbol of wealth and power, distinguishing the elite from the working class. The presence of dogs further underscores this theme, as they were often bred and trained for specific roles in hunting, reflecting a level of specialized knowledge and resources. Tavenraat’s sketch invites us to consider how class distinctions were performed and reinforced through everyday activities.