Kerk c. 1839 - 1872

Johannes Tavenraat made this sketch of a church, titled "Kerk", using graphite on paper. The medium itself, graphite, lends itself to quick, preliminary studies, and you can really sense that immediacy here. The lines are tentative, searching, revealing the artist's process of observation and selection. You can almost see Tavenraat’s hand moving across the page, capturing the essence of the building with minimal strokes. But beyond its technical qualities, the use of graphite speaks to a broader social context. Graphite, like paper, was relatively accessible, making drawing a democratic form of artistic expression in the 19th century. It allowed artists to explore their surroundings, document their observations, and engage with the world around them. This unassuming sketch, with its humble materials and direct approach, reminds us that art can be found in the everyday. It challenges us to look beyond the finished masterpiece and appreciate the value of process, observation, and the artist's hand.