Boerin met kap, ten voeten uit 1841

Here we see "Boerin met kap, ten voeten uit," a pencil drawing by Johannes Tavenraat. The sketch presents a full-length figure of a peasant woman in traditional attire, her arms crossed. The composition is defined by the economy of line. Each stroke is deliberate, outlining the form of her cap, the folds of her dress, and the contours of her body with minimal shading. Tavenraat employs line not merely to define shape, but also to suggest volume and texture. Note the ragged edge of the skirt, a detail that adds a sense of realism. The use of line as a primary tool in this work underscores a focus on the essential structure of the subject, stripping away extraneous detail to reveal the underlying form. What remains is an exploration into representation that privileges form over mere imitation. This places Tavenraat within a lineage of artists concerned with the structural integrity of their subjects.