Twee studies van een dode haas Possibly 1874

Johannes Tavenraat created these two studies of a dead hare in 1874 using pen and brown ink, with brown wash, on paper. Here, the artist adopts a mode of production akin to scientific illustration, prioritizing observation and documentation, through a medium that’s immediate and economical. The marks of the pen – quickly hatched lines and layered washes – convey the texture of the fur, the weight of the limp bodies, and the subtle gradations of light and shadow. Tavenraat’s skill lies in his ability to capture the essence of the subject with minimal means. The choice of humble materials – paper, ink, and wash – contrasts with the traditional grandeur of oil painting, emphasizing the accessibility and immediacy of drawing as a medium. By focusing on the everyday, and elevating it through careful observation and skillful rendering, Tavenraat blurs the lines between high art and the more quotidian practice of draftsmanship. This intimate study invites us to appreciate the beauty and dignity, found even in death.