Boomstam 1861

This is Boomstam, a pencil drawing by Johannes Tavenraat. What strikes one immediately is the careful composition centered around the horizontal form of a fallen tree trunk. The artist uses a delicate interplay of lines to articulate the rough texture of the bark, creating a tactile quality. The drawing employs subtle gradations in tone to create a sense of depth and volume. Tavenraat captures the organic forms with sensitivity, mapping the complex details of the decaying wood. Through his close study of natural forms, the drawing moves beyond mere representation to explore a deeper understanding of nature's textures. The network of lines reveals the underlying structure of growth and decay. This emphasizes the relationship between the aesthetic elements and the transient nature of existence.