Bergen en een huis aan een meer 1840

Johannes Tavenraat made this subtle pencil drawing of mountains and a lake house. Although undated, we can assume that the artwork was made in the Netherlands during the first half of the 19th century. We know that Tavenraat was working during the period when landscape painting was becoming extremely popular, partly in response to the increasing industrialization of the country. Art institutions of the time were still dedicated, however, to history painting as the most elevated genre. So we might ask if this image expresses a certain progressive impulse to challenge the old order of the Academy, which prioritized historical or mythological scenes over humble landscapes. Or perhaps it reflects a conservative impulse, seeking solace in nature amidst the social upheaval of the Industrial Revolution. Looking at the history of the Rijksmuseum’s collection may give us an insight. By researching the cultural and institutional context, we can better understand the artistic choices made by artists like Tavenraat.