Notities 1863 - 1869

Johannes Tavenraat made these notebook jottings sometime in the 19th century, but undated, and now they reside in the Rijksmuseum. This page offers us a glimpse into the artist’s mind, recording observations and thoughts. It’s hard to say definitively what these notes refer to without more context, but the references to names, dates, and places, like Rademaker and Symons, suggest correspondence or perhaps even travel itineraries. The Dutch context is vivid through Tavenraat's language and references. In this sense, these “Notities” become more than just personal musings. They are a cultural artifact, hinting at the social and intellectual circles in which Tavenraat moved. As historians, we can look at letters, archives, and other documents of the period to flesh out the world that produced these notes. By investigating the social conditions of art, we can understand how the artist's practice was bound to the world around them.