Pad langs een rotsachtige baai van de Maas 1840 - 1841

Johannes Tavenraat made this pencil drawing of a path along a rocky bay of the Meuse. Tavenraat lived during a period of significant political and social change in the Netherlands, including the French occupation and subsequent establishment of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Tavenraat's choice of subject matter and his artistic style can be seen as a reflection of his cultural identity. During the 19th century, Dutch artists sought to define a national identity through their art, often turning to the landscape as a symbol of the nation's history. He often depicted scenes that evoked a sense of national pride and connection to the land. Tavenraat creates a sense of walking along the Meuse river. The artwork encourages reflection on the interplay between identity, landscape, and national pride during a transformative period in Dutch history. The work speaks to the way in which art can shape and reflect cultural values and beliefs.