Bospad en figuren die koeien melken en voer geven 1843 - 1844

This sketch of a cow milking scene and forest path was made by Johannes Tavenraat, probably in the mid-19th century. Executed in pencil on paper, it’s a quick, intimate study, evidenced by the visible scribbled notes. The artist’s choice of pencil – a readily available, relatively inexpensive material – speaks volumes about his intentions. This wasn't about creating a finished masterpiece, but rather capturing a fleeting moment, recording a humble scene of rural life. The thinness of the pencil lines lends a sense of airiness to the composition, hinting at the crispness of the open-air landscape. Tavenraat's sketch embraces a sense of immediacy, typical of working-class labor. The sketch reminds us that art, like agriculture, relies on work and its own set of tools. It offers a glimpse into the daily lives of rural communities and the natural world around them.