Haas Possibly 1870 - 1871

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing, Haas, with pen in brown ink. During the 1800's, art often mirrored the socio-economic structures of the time, reflecting the distinctions between the wealthy and the working class. Tavenraat, positioned within this context, engages with the natural world through the figure of the hare, which acts as a complex signifier of the times. The hare, though seemingly simple, carries layers of meaning related to survival, adaptation, and vulnerability. Consider the hare's identity as a creature often caught between worlds, it exists both as a wild animal and a source of sustenance. In its depiction, the hare can be seen as a reflection of the delicate balance between nature and human existence. The artist's choice to represent this animal might subtly comment on the societal issues related to the working class and those who exist on the margins. This drawing invites us to reflect on the ways we perceive and interact with the natural world, recognizing that every artistic choice carries a cultural and historical weight.