Lachende kop 1840 - 1880

This ink drawing, “Laughing Head,” was made by Johannes Tavenraat sometime in the 19th century. The quick, loose lines suggest that Tavenraat likely used a quill or reed pen. Notice how the varying pressure creates both thin, delicate strokes and bolder, more emphatic marks. The artist’s hand moved swiftly across the page, capturing a fleeting expression. The choice of ink on paper speaks to a practice rooted in the everyday, and the immediacy of sketching. This was a means of observing and recording the world. It was also a fundamental skill for artists, rather than the work itself. The artist employed economy of means to create the impression of light and shadow. The marks aren't overworked but are deftly descriptive. Looking closely at such a sketch reminds us that all art begins with process and materiality. Even a simple drawing bears the traces of the artist's hand, their skill, and their engagement with the world around them.