Studieblad met ruiters, paarden en eenden 1839

Johannes Tavenraat made this sketch of horses, riders and ducks with pen and ink on paper in the Netherlands in the mid-19th century. Animal sketches like this were common practice in the 19th century as part of academic training, but also for military purposes. Horses and ducks appear in a variety of poses. The riders are more uniform, as if learning specific techniques for horsemanship. Tavenraat himself was a drawing instructor, and may have made this drawing for instructional purposes. The prominence of horses in 19th century Dutch art reflects the animals' economic and military significance. Horses were essential for transportation, agriculture, and warfare. Artists often depicted horses to celebrate Dutch power and prosperity. By studying the history of art education, military history, and the social role of animals in 19th century Netherlands, we can better understand the context in which Tavenraat made this sketch. Art always exists in a social and institutional context.