Ridder in harnas te paard en een zwaard van rond 1568 1841 - 1853

Johannes Tavenraat made this pen and ink drawing of a knight in armour and a sword, around 1868. The linear quality of the drawing emphasizes the complex system of interconnected metal plates, leather straps, and textile elements. The artist’s attention to the details of the sword, the horse’s saddle, and the knight's helmet, all point to the labor and skill required to make this equipment in the 16th century. The drawing’s style, with its flowing lines and open composition, suggests the artist’s attempt to capture the subject with precision. But it also invites us to consider the social and economic context in which such armor was made. The value of the armor extends beyond its functionality, and toward the socio-economic status of the wearer, and the complex relationship between art, craft, and social hierarchy. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can appreciate this drawing not just as a historical document but as a reflection on the value of labor.