Figuren in een roeiboot op de Rotte 1864

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing of figures in a rowboat on the Rotte using pen in brown ink, and brush in brown and gray ink. The loose, watery strokes create a sense of immediacy, capturing a fleeting moment on the river. The choice of materials—simple inks and brushes—suggests a direct, unpretentious approach, focused on observation rather than elaborate technique. Yet, it’s worth noting the social context embedded in this seemingly simple scene. The presence of figures in rowboats hints at leisure and recreation, activities made possible by the economic structures of the time. Windmills and cityscapes in the background, are themselves products of labor and industry. By focusing on the materials and modes of representation employed by Tavenraat, we can see how this drawing reflects and refracts broader social and economic forces, blurring the lines between art and everyday life.