Berglandschap met een houten beltoren Possibly 1858 - 1859

Johannes Tavenraat made this landscape with a wooden bell tower using graphite on paper. The artist’s quick, light strokes capture the scene's immediacy. Graphite, composed of pure carbon, allows for a range of tonal values, from delicate lines to denser shading, seen here in the wooden structure. The very act of drawing becomes a form of documentation, emphasizing the artist's direct experience of the landscape. The choice of graphite, a relatively inexpensive and readily available material, suggests an interest in accessibility and practicality. Tavenraat engages in a tradition of landscape art, transforming it into a medium for personal exploration and social commentary. Consider the artist’s hand in this work, and how the simple materials amplify its impact.