Boomstammen en herten 1858 - 1870

Johannes Tavenraat created this sketch, "Boomstammen en herten," featuring tree trunks and deer using pen in gray. Dominating the scene are the deer, creatures that have long carried symbolic weight, representing grace, gentleness, and a deep connection to the natural world. The tree stumps, stark in their stillness, evoke themes of mortality. The motif of the deer appears in many mythologies, from the Greek goddess Artemis, the protector of wild animals, to the Celtic deity Cernunnos, often depicted with antlers. Similarly, tree stumps can be traced back to ancient depictions of vanitas, reminding us of the transience of life. The emotion these figures evoke is complex. Perhaps we should be moved by the deer, or by the knowledge that their natural environment is slowly changing. The emotional power here lies in the contrast between the vitality of the deer and the solemn stillness of the trunks. This sketch engages us on a deep, subconscious level.