Weiland met koeien bij een trog 1864 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing, "Weiland met koeien bij een trog," with pen in brown and brush in gray. The stark contrast of the brown ink against the paper creates a sense of depth and texture. Tavenraat's choice of medium influences the drawing’s appearance, emphasizing the textures of the cows' hides, the rough edges of the trough, and the open space of the pasture. The skilled application of the brown ink suggests a deliberate approach, highlighting the interplay between light and shadow. We see a skilled tradition from the fine arts, focused on traditional art materials and techniques to convey a narrative. These drawings are often connected to the wider social issues of labor and rural life. Through his work, we gain insight into the agricultural practices and economic realities of the time. The artwork challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, reminding us of the importance of understanding materials, making, and context in the meaning of an artwork.