Vrouwen en koppen 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing, called "Vrouwen en koppen", using pen in brown ink and brush in gray ink on paper. The quick, fluid strokes are characteristic of a sketch, where the artist is focused on capturing the essence of the subject rather than precise detail. Ink on paper drawings like this one were a mainstay of artistic practice, serving as both preparatory studies and independent works of art. The choice of ink as a medium lends itself to both spontaneity and control, and Tavenraat’s use of washes creates depth and shadow with minimal effort. It's fascinating to consider the labor involved in creating this type of artwork. While seemingly simple, it requires years of training and practice to master the control of line and tone. We can admire the economy of means that Tavenraat achieved here, using basic materials to create something so evocative. By focusing on the materials and the making process, we can begin to understand how these drawings were embedded in the social and economic life of the 19th century.