Lijst met uitgaven 1862 - 1864

This is a page from Johannes Tavenraat's expense list. It was made with paper and ink, which were, of course, the everyday materials of record-keeping in the nineteenth century. But don’t let the ordinary nature of this object fool you. Every element reflects the economic realities of the artist's life. Consider the paper itself – its likely humble quality, and the careful use of space. Note also Tavenraat’s handwriting. While clearly legible, it is quick and efficient, not labored or calligraphic. Even the mathematics on display speaks volumes, as Tavenraat toted up his expenses to the last cent. It all adds up to a picture of an artist enmeshed in the practicalities of his time. In this context, we can appreciate the unseen labor that underpins all artistic creation, not just in the studio, but in the careful management of resources. This page isn't just a receipt; it's a portal into the economics of art.