Kat en eenden 1839 - 1872

Johannes Tavenraat made this lively sketch of a cat and ducks with graphite on paper in the 19th century. It’s just a humble drawing, but it’s full of information about the process of image-making. See how Tavenraat has captured the essence of these animals with just a few strokes? The graphite allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating a sense of volume and depth. The quick, sketch-like quality suggests that Tavenraat was interested in capturing a fleeting moment, rather than creating a highly finished work. It gives it an immediacy and a sense of movement, as if the cat and ducks are caught in mid-action. Consider the artist's hand and eye, working together to translate the world onto paper. It's a reminder that art is not just about the final product, but about the process of making and the skills and traditions that artists bring to their work. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in all forms of making.