Een beetje aangeschoten 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this pen and brown ink drawing called "Een beetje aangeschoten," or "A Little Tipsy," sometime in the 19th century. What is the public role of this art? What are the politics of imagery? The drawing portrays a hare in a somewhat unsteady posture, evoking a sense of comical intoxication. In the Netherlands at this time, there was a strong cultural connection between the Dutch Golden Age and the contemporary art world, so it makes sense that the image has roots in the tradition of genre painting which often depicted scenes of everyday life, including humorous or satirical situations. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, plays a crucial role in preserving and presenting Dutch cultural heritage. By displaying works like this, the museum shapes public perceptions of Dutch identity and artistic achievement. As historians, our interpretation of this artwork can be enriched by examining the social and cultural context in which it was created, including research into the drinking habits and social customs of the time. Art is always contingent on social and institutional context.