Lucht c. 1862 - 1864

This page comes from Johannes Tavenraat’s sketchbook and is filled with the Dutch artist’s observations of light and atmosphere. It is a private aide-memoire rather than a work intended for public display. Made in the Netherlands in the 19th century, the writing in pencil gives us a glimpse into the artist’s working methods and the culture of landscape painting at the time. We can see him jotting down notes about colour, tone, and weather effects, all crucial for capturing the specific qualities of the Dutch landscape. The Rijksmuseum, as a national institution, plays a vital role in preserving such documents, allowing us to piece together the artistic process and social context. Understanding this work relies on exploring archival material, like artist's letters, exhibition catalogues, and critical reviews. By piecing together these sources, we can gain a richer understanding of Tavenraat’s place within the artistic and cultural landscape of his time.