Twee honden 1864 - 1868

This sensitive watercolor of two dogs was made by Johannes Tavenraat. Tavenraat lived and worked during a time of shifting social structures. Within a society that was becoming increasingly structured by class, animals - particularly domestic ones - were often used as symbols of status and belonging. Here, he captures two canines with soft, diluted brushstrokes. It’s interesting to note how Tavenraat's study of these animals echoes the socio-economic trends of his era, where even the depiction of pets could reflect the nuances of identity and social stratification. The emotionality that Tavenraat captures in these animals invites us to consider the complex roles animals play in our lives.