Sneppenschrik gezien vanuit de richting van Nieuwerkerk 1864 - 1868

Johannes Tavenraat created this drawing of Sneppenschrik from the direction of Nieuwerkerk using graphite on paper. The artist has made a delicate atmospheric study. Notice the way he coaxes the material to give a hazy quality to the trees and distant landscape. The social context of this artwork resides in its relationship to artistic traditions, and the skilled traditions of draftsmanship. Tavenraat used the inherent qualities of graphite to create the drawing, varying the pressure to produce different tones and textures, with the soft, almost hazy quality creating an interesting atmospheric perspective. By focusing on the materials and methods used, we gain a deeper appreciation of the work. It challenges our understanding of art and craft, especially when the artist employs the materials to portray a rural village.