Hert, een ree en mannen- en vrouwenkoppen 1864 - 1880

This drawing of deer and human heads was made by Johannes Tavenraat, likely during the 19th century in the Netherlands, with pen in brown ink. It's a kind of study sheet, an informal gathering of images that seem at first glance to have no connection. But what does it mean to put images of people and animals on the same plane? Tavenraat has not given us idealized portraits, but unflinching studies of age and experience. The deer, meanwhile, strikes a pose of proud vitality. Is this then a commentary on human mortality? Perhaps even on the social hierarchies that elevate humans above the natural world? We can only speculate about the artist's intent. But by situating the artwork within the culture of 19th century Netherlands, through consulting letters, diaries, newspapers, and other records, we can start to uncover the complex networks of meaning that give form to even the simplest sketch.