Kop met uitgestoken tong Possibly 1870 - 1871

This small drawing, "Kop met uitgestoken tong," or "Head with protruding tongue," was made by Johannes Tavenraat, likely in 1870 given the inscription, using pen and ink on paper. The artist has used a minimal number of lines to create a strong sense of volume and character in the face. The density of the ink strokes create areas of shadow and depth, most notably around the mouth and chin, that give the drawing a tangible weight. Notice how the artist uses the fineness of the pen line to capture the texture and the form of the tongue itself. The choice of such humble materials, pen and ink, on paper, brings an immediacy to the image. It's a reminder that powerful and expressive art doesn't always require elaborate or expensive tools. Tavenraat's sketch invites us to consider the expressive potential of simple materials and the skill required to capture the essence of a subject with just a few strokes. It challenges any rigid divide between high art and the everyday practice of drawing.