Kop van een hond, naar links 1819 - 1881

Johannes Tavenraat made this head of a dog in the nineteenth century using graphite on paper. Look closely, and you’ll notice the drawing is more than just an image. The varying pressure of the pencil creates a subtle interplay of light and shadow, bringing depth and life to the subject. Tavenraat was clearly a master of his medium, using the simplest of materials to create a compelling portrait. What I find interesting is the relationship between the artist's skill, and the seemingly casual nature of the drawing. The lightness of touch belies the amount of work involved in achieving this level of realism, and the careful observation required to capture the essence of the animal. We often see drawings as studies for more 'important' works, but in fact, the intimacy and directness of the medium can offer a unique perspective. This drawing, in its own way, challenges the hierarchy that places painting and sculpture above works on paper.