Studie 1840 - 1868

This is 'Studie,' made by Johannes Tavenraat, in the 19th century. It is a pencil drawing on paper. The quality of the pencil is immediately apparent. The thin lines and delicate shading suggest the use of finely ground graphite. Paper, too, has its own story. It started as a luxury item but by the 1800s, advancements in production meant it was more widely available. This accessibility allowed artists like Tavenraat to experiment and sketch freely. The making of this drawing, then, speaks to broader changes in material culture. Cheaper materials meant that more people could participate in image-making, blurring the lines between fine art and everyday practice. This drawing isn't just an image; it's a record of these shifts. By considering how and with what it was made, we gain a deeper understanding of its value and meaning.