Zalig zijnde bezitterij 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this pen drawing, "Zalig zijnde bezitterij," which translates to "Being Blissfully Possessed," sometime in the 19th century. At first glance, it depicts two dogs in a field, their bodies rendered with loose, expressive lines. But what does it mean to be blissfully possessed? Tavenraat, working in a society structured by class and ownership, subtly probes the relationship between power and servitude. The drawing might reflect how societal structures shape our understanding of freedom. The choice of dogs—often symbols of loyalty and subservience—complicates this reading. Are they content in their roles, or is there a deeper critique of the way society ascribes value? The artist encourages us to consider how we, too, might be 'possessed' by societal norms or expectations. "Zalig zijnde bezitterij" invites contemplation on identity, freedom, and the subtle ways power dynamics shape our lives and emotional states.