Haas en konijn 1754 - 1825

Hermanus Numan created this drawing of a hare and rabbit using graphite on paper. Graphite, at its core, is humble stuff—the same material you find in pencils. Yet, look closely at how Numan coaxes such a range of tones and textures from it. The soft fur, the alert eyes, the dynamic pose of the leaping hare—all achieved with just this unassuming medium. Consider the social context: in the 18th century, images like these were part of a broader interest in natural history. But they also reflect a culture increasingly detached from the realities of rural life. Drawing, like other forms of craft, became a way to connect with a world that was rapidly changing. Ultimately, it is in the skillful manipulation of a common material that Numan elevates this drawing beyond mere illustration, inviting us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world.