Bomen bij Overmaas 1873

Johannes Tavenraat created 'Bomen bij Overmaas' using pencil on paper, a traditional choice for landscape studies. The use of pencil allows for a range of tonal values, from light, airy strokes suggesting foliage to darker, denser marks defining the tree trunks. This reflects a direct engagement with the qualities of the material – its ability to capture subtle variations in light and texture. Tavenraat’s technique involves layering and hatching, building up the composition through meticulous observation. This labor-intensive process results in a rich surface, even within the limited palette. While seemingly straightforward, the pencil’s role as a readily available and affordable medium ties into broader social issues. It democratized artistic practice, allowing artists to capture their surroundings without the need for elaborate materials. By emphasizing the importance of material and process, we gain a deeper understanding of the work’s meaning, and the relationship between art, labor, and everyday life.