Waterval op het landgoed Beekhuizen 1833

This sketch, "Waterval op het landgoed Beekhuizen," was made by Johannes Tavenraat using graphite on paper. The artist’s hand is clearly evident in the work. You can almost feel Tavenraat's presence as he quickly captured the scene, making marks to give a sense of the waterfall and the surrounding nature. The choice of graphite, a readily available material, suggests a desire for accessibility and ease of creation. It speaks to the work's function as a study, meant to capture a fleeting moment in time. The rough and spontaneous lines reflect the energy and immediacy of the natural world. The use of graphite, with its inherent qualities of softness and tonal variation, allows for a subtle yet expressive rendering of light and shadow. This contrasts with the industrial production that came to dominate later in the 19th century. Ultimately, this sketch is a reminder of the importance of materials, and the artist’s hand, in understanding the full meaning of a work of art.