Rivierlandschap 1840 - 1880

This ink drawing of a river landscape was made by Johannes Tavenraat, probably in the mid-19th century. While unassuming, the quick strokes of the artist's pen yield a wealth of information about the setting. Windmills stand prominently, reflecting the crucial role they played in the Dutch landscape. The energy harnessed from the wind, converted into the grinding of grain or the draining of water, directly supported the economic activity of the Netherlands. Note, too, the figure in the small boat, which appears to be a simple, utilitarian craft, and how these details ground the idyllic scene in the day-to-day labor of the local people. The artist's skillful handling of the ink creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, but also reminds us that landscape paintings such as this are never just about pretty scenery. Instead, they are documents of human intervention and activity, and the intimate relationship between a community and its environment. It is only by understanding the material realities of this landscape that we can fully appreciate Tavenraat's artistic vision.