Haas en twee koppen 1840 - 1880

This is a pen and ink drawing by Johannes Tavenraat, titled "Hare and Two Heads", currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Tavenraat lived in a time of shifting social structures. The rise of the middle class influenced artistic themes, turning attention to everyday life and the natural world, which is clear from this piece. His choice to depict both animals and human figures invites us to consider the relationship between humanity and nature. The juxtaposition might subtly reflect on the social hierarchy of the time, with different species and social classes coexisting, yet distinctly separate. The sketched style adds an emotional dimension, capturing fleeting moments. The lack of precise detail allows viewers to project their own interpretations onto the subjects. What does it mean to view a hare alongside studies of human heads? Perhaps Tavenraat urges us to reflect on shared experiences despite our different places in the world.