Notities 1839 - 1872

This page of ‘Notities’ was composed by Johannes Tavenraat, a 19th-century Dutch artist, likely as part of a sketchbook or journal. In the Netherlands during this period, there was a growing sense of national identity coupled with economic shifts. The handwritten notes, filled with seemingly random calculations and observations, offer an intimate glimpse into Tavenraat's artistic process. It makes me wonder about how societal changes might influence an artist's perception and documentation of everyday life. The presence of Dutch text also situates the work within a specific cultural and linguistic context, suggesting a connection to local traditions and intellectual circles. The notes aren't organized in a clear or structured way, allowing for a more unfiltered view of the artist's thoughts and artistic preoccupations. We can imagine the artist jotting down ideas amidst a rapidly changing world, reflecting both the mundane and the profound. This personal artifact reminds us that art-making is deeply intertwined with the emotional and intellectual life of the artist, and reflects the broader historical narratives of identity.