Zittende vrouwen 1841 - 1853

Johannes Tavenraat sketched "Zittende Vrouwen" with graphite on paper, using the subtleties of line to capture a fleeting moment. The graphite, ground into a fine powder, then pressed into a rod, allowed Tavenraat to create a range of values with simple strokes. Notice how the soft texture of the paper interacts with the graphite, creating a slightly blurred effect. This immediacy suggests the artist captured the scene quickly, perhaps en plein air. Consider the social context: during Tavenraat's time, sketching was an important skill. Artists would routinely make studies such as this. The lightness of the sketch may also reflect the value placed on capturing the everyday. Ultimately, "Zittende Vrouwen" invites us to appreciate the beauty in the mundane. It challenges traditional notions of high art by celebrating the simple act of observation.