Koeien en haas 1840 - 1880

Editor: We are looking at "Cows and Hare," an ink and pen drawing created sometime between 1840 and 1880, currently at the Rijksmuseum and attributed to Johannes Tavenraat. It has such a light, sketch-like quality. What can you tell me about the composition? Curator: Certainly. Focusing on form, notice the linear quality achieved through the pen and ink. The rapid, almost impulsive strokes construct the figures, suggesting movement, particularly in the hare. Observe how the negative space interacts with the drawn lines; does the relative emptiness enhance or detract from the figures? Editor: I think it emphasizes the speed of the hare, it almost looks like its flying. What is the relationship of these quickly sketched cows to the action depicted in the fleeing hare? Curator: The contrast creates a visual dynamic, doesn't it? Consider the different orientations, their respective relationships with line and space. While the hare bursts forward, the cow appears stolid, rendered with somewhat heavier lines, creating a static block on the picture plane. Notice also the orientation of the picture; are we, perhaps, invited to examine the work from right to left? Editor: Interesting perspective! I hadn't considered that. So, by examining just the line work and forms, we see this image invites several potential perspectives and viewpoints. Curator: Precisely. By dissecting the image in terms of line, form, and space, we gain access to the range of choices the artist may have made, irrespective of some grand symbolic meaning. We understand art as a set of structured decisions, reflecting visual relationships. Editor: So cool, that approach really sheds new light on how I appreciate this seemingly simple pen sketch. I'll keep it in mind from now on.