Jachthond 1840 - 1880

This small drawing of a hunting dog was made by Johannes Tavenraat, likely in the mid-19th century. It is made with pen and brown ink, with a brown wash on paper. Note the immediacy of the drawing, the economical use of the materials. The texture of the paper itself becomes part of the representation. The very act of drawing captures not just the likeness of the animal, but also its alert, wiry energy. Tavenraat expertly captures the essence of the hunting dog with the simplest of means. Consider how different this image would be if it were a painting, or a sculpture. The drawing has a freshness, and a directness that aligns it with the skills of the hand. Tavenraat’s sensitivity with these basic materials shows how drawing can rise to the level of high art.