Arbeiderswoning 1839 - 1872

Johannes Tavenraat sketched this "Arbeiderswoning" – or worker’s dwelling – with graphite on paper. The drawing captures a humble scene through the lens of its formal structure. Notice the linear quality that defines the composition; Tavenraat uses brisk, angular strokes to delineate the architecture. These lines, which are more suggestive than definitive, create a sense of depth, inviting our eyes into the rough textures of the dwelling’s facade. The sketch plays with perspective, offering us a view that is both immediate and slightly askew, destabilizing any sense of conventional representation. Instead, Tavenraat seems more interested in the raw, unadorned reality of the worker’s environment, captured through the directness of his marks. The drawing resists idealization, presenting a straightforward, almost stark portrayal. In its commitment to structural honesty over decorative flourish, "Arbeiderswoning" opens up questions about how we view and value everyday existence.