Notitie 1871

This page of sketches and notes comes from a sketchbook by Johannes Tavenraat, dating to October 1871. Its materials are quite ordinary: paper, bound into a small book, and graphite, applied with a pencil. While these materials may seem mundane, they were essential tools for artists in the 19th century. Sketchbooks allowed for spontaneous observation and the development of ideas. Notice how Tavenraat has used the inherent qualities of graphite—its smoothness, its capacity for subtle shading—to quickly capture his impressions, making marks on a thin sheet of paper. The artist's handwritten annotations, quickly jotted down in cursive script, give us a glimpse into his artistic process and daily life. The act of writing, like drawing, requires a different kind of skill and precision. The amount of careful labor is apparent. By understanding the materials and techniques used in the creation of this work, we can appreciate its significance beyond its aesthetic appeal. This challenges the traditional separation of art and craft.