Jachthond en jager 1840 - 1880

Editor: This is "Hunting Dog and Hunter," a pen and ink drawing by Johannes Tavenraat, made sometime between 1840 and 1880. It’s at the Rijksmuseum. It feels quite spontaneous. I’m curious, what can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Well, let's consider the materiality of this drawing. Tavenraat's choice of pen and ink, readily available and relatively inexpensive materials, suggests a focus on accessibility in art production. It speaks to a democratization of art, where the emphasis shifts from precious materials to skill and concept. Editor: So you are saying the tools mattered? Curator: Absolutely. The swiftness of the lines, the visible labor in the cross-hatching, the very act of mark-making becomes the subject. We see the process of depiction, not just the finished image. Think about who might have had access to these materials and the social context that made such subjects interesting in a burgeoning industrial society. Who are these figures for, what are their labor dynamics, and how are they consumed by society? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't considered the materials as a commentary on access and process. I was so focused on the image itself. Curator: Indeed. Now, think about the implications of this widespread availability. It means more people can create and perhaps, more importantly, consume images like this, influencing taste and values. This also suggests an appreciation for a style where you see the artist’s hand. We begin to think of an art practice in terms of manual labour. Editor: So, it’s not just a drawing of a dog and a hunter, but also about who gets to make art, how they make it, and who sees it. Thank you for opening my eyes to this different viewpoint! Curator: My pleasure! Always remember to consider the how and why of art production and circulation!