Twee koppen 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this quick study of two heads in the 19th century, using pen and ink on paper. The sketch's immediacy is accentuated by the thin, translucent paper, which probably came from a roll. The artist used the pen with an economical hand, rapidly evoking the character of his subjects. The material's surface invites the ink to bleed and feather, creating a slightly blurred effect that softens the overall impression. The parallel hatching technique shows a disciplined approach, but the effect remains fresh, almost like a quick note taken on the fly. Drawings like this are often considered less important than finished paintings or sculptures, but in fact, they can give us unique insight into an artist's process and their daily practice. This particular sketch invites us to appreciate the beauty found in everyday scenes and the skills involved in capturing them.