Herten, paarden, een herder en landschappen 1858 - 1870

Johannes Tavenraat made this watercolor and pen drawing of deer, horses, a shepherd, and landscapes sometime in the 19th century. Look closely at the wispy strokes of the pen, which are used to outline the figures and to suggest movement, alongside the washes of watercolor which create the illusion of depth. The artist employs the contrast of the two media to capture the essence of rural life. Notice the shepherd and the animals moving through the landscape. Tavenraat captures the quiet and the calm of the countryside in the Netherlands at this time. When we consider the context in which this drawing was made, we can understand the growing interest of artists in capturing the beauty of the natural world, but also the changing character of labor, politics, and consumption during the Industrial Revolution. Drawings such as these became important reminders of a simpler way of life, and challenge the separation of craft and fine art.