Notities, waaronder adressen in Parijs 1862 - 1864

This page of notes, including addresses in Paris, was created by Johannes Tavenraat sometime in the 19th century. The artist used graphite, a relatively common and easily accessible material, to create this piece. The softness of graphite allows for a range of tonal values and textures, which we can observe in the subtle variations of the handwriting. Graphite’s association with sketching and preliminary studies is interesting, especially for a piece that appears to be a collection of practical addresses. The process of writing itself is crucial here: each stroke, each carefully formed letter, reflects a deliberate act of recording and remembering. The choice of graphite on paper speaks to the everyday nature of this artwork. It is a utilitarian object, yet the act of inscription transforms it into something more, hinting at broader issues of memory, documentation, and the role of art in everyday life. It blurs the line between the functional and the aesthetic, inviting us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of creative expression.