Drie zittende mannen bij een boomstronk c. 1873 - 1876

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing of three seated men by a tree stump using pen and ink. This traditional approach to art-making emphasizes directness. The choice of pen and ink underscores the artist's skill in capturing form and texture with simple, linear strokes. Notice how Tavenraat uses hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and shadow. This not only defines the figures and their clothing but also suggests the rough texture of the tree stump and the surrounding landscape. The material also speaks to the broader social context of art production. Pen and ink were readily available materials, making art accessible to a wider range of practitioners beyond the elite. By focusing on ordinary figures in a natural setting, Tavenraat elevates everyday life to the level of art, challenging conventional hierarchies of subject matter. The beauty and significance of this work lie in its ability to reveal both the artist’s process and the social values embedded in the choice of materials. It reminds us that art is not just about the final image, but about the materials, making, and context.