Rivier de Rotte met bomen aan weerszijden 1862 - 1866

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing of the Rotte river with trees using pen and brown ink, and brush in brown and gray washes. The materiality of the ink and paper directly influences the image we see. Note how the washes pool and bleed, creating a sense of depth and shadow. Tavenraat's quick, gestural marks suggest a scene captured en plein air, emphasizing the immediacy of the landscape. The washes are almost like an industrial process, the way they are washed out to become diluted and spread across the page. The choice of materials speaks to the artist’s interest in capturing the fleeting beauty of the natural world. Brown ink was a common material for sketches and studies, valued for its versatility and ease of use. This drawing, though seemingly simple, reveals a deep understanding of materials and their expressive potential. By embracing the inherent qualities of ink and paper, Tavenraat elevates a humble sketch into a work of art.