Paarden 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat created this drawing of 'Paarden' with pen in hand. Living in the Netherlands during the 19th century, Tavenraat navigated a society undergoing significant transformation, influenced by Romanticism’s focus on emotion and individualism, but also on a deep connection with nature. Here, we see horses depicted in a way that captures their raw energy, though it's also filtered through Tavenraat’s own lens. Horses have often been symbols of power, freedom, and virility, embodying a certain masculinity that was celebrated during this period. Yet, Tavenraat's soft lines and the intimate scale of the drawing also suggest vulnerability. The emotional tension in this piece lies in the juxtaposition of power and vulnerability. Tavenraat invites us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of identity, both human and animal, and on how societal values shape our perceptions of strength and grace.