Kop van een jachthond 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this quick sketch of a hunting dog’s head with pen and brown ink on paper. You see how Tavenraat’s concentration on the material qualities of ink and paper allowed him to capture the droopy features of the hound with remarkable economy. The absorbent paper would have wicked the ink, compelling Tavenraat to work quickly. Interestingly, paper production in the 19th century became increasingly industrialized, with the introduction of wood pulp as a primary raw material. This shift democratized access to paper but also altered its texture and absorbency. Consider the subtle social implications; cheaper materials enabled a wider range of artistic practices, moving drawing from a specialized craft to a more accessible activity. This work challenges distinctions between high art and craft, reminding us of the social and material contexts that shape artistic expression.