Koppen 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat created this drawing, Koppen, with pen and brown ink on paper. The texture of the paper itself plays a crucial role, providing a slightly rough surface that catches the ink, creating a lively contrast between the delicate lines and the blank areas. The artist's hand is evident in every stroke, capturing a range of facial expressions. The immediacy of the medium lends itself to quick studies. This work embodies a skilled tradition rooted in observational drawing and the mastery of ink as a medium. The artist’s rapid strokes capture light and shadow, suggesting an interest in the craft of illustration, and the rise of caricature as a means of social commentary. Looking closely at the material and how it’s been manipulated encourages us to question these traditional divides between artistic categories.