Drie honden 1819 - 1881

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing of three dogs in the 19th century using pen and brown ink on blue paper. The choice of materials immediately sets a casual, observational tone. This isn’t a formal portrait commissioned for posterity; it's a study, quickly captured. The brown ink, applied with brisk strokes, defines the contours and musculature of the dogs, while the blue paper acts as a ready-made atmospheric backdrop. Tavenraat’s technique is economical. He uses hatching and cross-hatching to suggest volume and shadow, revealing his understanding of form. It speaks to the rise of sketching as a distinct artistic practice, as paper became more affordable and artists explored new ways to capture the world around them. This sketch emphasizes the importance of understanding the qualities and limitations of our materials.