Landschap bij de 's-Gravenweg in Kralingen 1875 - 1879

Johannes Tavenraat made this landscape drawing near Kralingen in 1875, likely *en plein air*, with graphite on paper. The thin, wiry quality of the graphite suggests that Tavenraat used a hard pencil, allowing him to capture the scene with precision and clarity. The quick, light marks capture the essence of the Dutch landscape, with its flat terrain, windmills, and expansive sky. The softness of the graphite allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. Drawings like this were often made in preparation for larger paintings. The material allows for quick studies, with the artist able to record fleeting moments and details, giving the work a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The work offers a glimpse into the artist's process and the importance of drawing as a fundamental skill, one that has always blurred the lines between craft and fine art.