Dal in Bornhofen 1859

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing of Dal in Bornhofen in the 19th century, using graphite on paper. The texture of the paper itself influences the appearance of this piece, offering a slightly rough surface for the graphite to adhere to. Look closely and you'll see slight variations in the lines, as the graphite catches on the paper's fibres, contributing to the sketch's overall sense of depth and dimension. Consider the labor involved in producing not just the drawing, but the paper and graphite too. Paper was once a valuable commodity, made by hand, and the graphite had to be mined and processed. Tavenraat would have had to master his materials to create this drawing. It shows the artist's skill in capturing the light and shadow of the landscape with the use of simple tools. Ultimately, understanding the materials, the making, and the context in which an artwork was created allows us to appreciate the creative process.