Kop 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this sketch, "Kop," with pen and brown ink on paper sometime in the 19th century. The apparent simplicity of the materials belies the artist's skill. Note the immediacy and confidence of Tavenraat’s lines. He coaxes volume and expression from the most economic of means, allowing the brown ink to bleed slightly into the fibers of the paper, adding depth and texture. This kind of drawing depends on a fluid relationship between the hand, eye, and material. The social context of drawings like this is interesting. They were often made as studies for larger paintings, or as independent works for collectors. Drawing was also considered an essential skill for artisans of all kinds; a demonstration of basic competence. So, Tavenraat was participating in both a fine art tradition and a broader culture of making. In either case, the value lies not just in the image itself, but in the artist’s skillful manipulation of humble materials.