Haas Possibly 1870 - 1871

This pen drawing of a running hare was made by Johannes Tavenraat in the Netherlands sometime in the mid-19th century. At this time, the Dutch art world was dominated by the Hague School, a group of artists who rejected the rigid academic style of the past. Tavenraat, while not directly associated with the Hague School, shared their interest in depicting everyday life and the natural world. This sketch, with its focus on the animal's movement and energy, reflects a broader cultural shift towards realism and direct observation. The hare, a common animal in the Dutch landscape, becomes a subject worthy of artistic attention. To truly understand this drawing, one might look to the journals and letters of Dutch artists of the time, as well as studies of the art market and the institutions that shaped artistic taste. Only then can we appreciate the full context in which Tavenraat created this lively sketch.