Haas 1840 - 1880

This drawing of a hare was made by Johannes Tavenraat in the Netherlands, some time in the 19th century. It’s executed in pen and ink, and its swift lines give a vivid sense of movement. It’s interesting to consider this drawing in light of the changing social status of animals in the 19th century. As the rise of the middle class shifted cultural values, so did the perception of animals. Where previously animals had been working partners on the farm or targets for hunting, new sentimental relationships developed between people and animals as pets. Tavenraat was an animalier, and the art academy in this period was increasingly interested in studying animals from life. Hare coursing was a popular country sport at the time, and you can imagine that Tavenraat would have had many opportunities to observe the animal in motion. If you'd like to understand this drawing better, you could research Dutch hunting practices in the 19th century, or you could examine the curricula of the art academies. This artwork is a product of both social and institutional forces.