Vrouwen- en mannenfiguren, honden, paarden en een ruiter 1840

This 1840 work by Johannes Tavenraat, located in the Rijksmuseum, features a series of sketches in pencil. The artwork shows figures of men, women, dogs, horses, and riders. The artist likely used this sketchbook as a way to study and practice rendering the human figure, animal anatomy, and dynamic movement. This type of quick, informal study was common in the 19th century as artists sought to understand the complexities of the human form through observation and practice. The loose and gestural lines of the sketches capture a sense of energy and spontaneity. This work offers a glimpse into the artistic process of a skilled artist, capturing the fleeting moments of inspiration and observation.