Groep bedelaars c. 1873 - 1876

Johannes Tavenraat made this sketch, "Groep bedelaars," sometime in the 19th century, using pen and ink on paper. The immediacy of the line suggests that Tavenraat quickly captured the essence of his subject. The thinness of the ink, the visible paper, and the lack of color lend a stark, documentary quality to the image. There is a sense of urgency. The artist's choice of subject matter also speaks to the social context of the time. The rise of industrialization led to increased poverty, and images of the working class began to appear more frequently in art. Tavenraat's sketch reflects the era's social tensions and economic disparities. By focusing on the material and process, we gain insight into the artist's intent and the cultural significance of this seemingly simple sketch. It is not just a drawing, but also a product of its time, reflecting the lives and struggles of ordinary people.