Huizen in Hillegersberg 1875 - 1877

Johannes Tavenraat sketched "Huizen in Hillegersberg" with graphite on paper. Notice how the artist rendered a picturesque scene of houses nestled among trees, evoking a sense of tranquility. The composition is structured around clusters of forms, where sharp, angular roofs contrast with the soft, rounded foliage. Tavenraat's use of hatching creates depth and shadow, giving the scene a three-dimensional quality. We can see a structural interplay of light and dark, which articulates the forms of the houses and trees. This interplay isn’t just representational; it’s expressive. The drawing captures a fleeting moment, inviting us to explore the formal properties of line and tone. These formal choices reveal a deeper interest in how we perceive and construct our sense of place.