Haas 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing of a hare in pen and ink, sometime in the mid-19th century. Tavenraat was working during a period of intense social change in the Netherlands. The Dutch Golden Age was long over, and the country was struggling to maintain its position in a rapidly changing world. In the art world, this led to a renewed interest in realism and a desire to depict the world as it was, rather than idealizing it. This small drawing of a hare, rapidly sketched, reflects that interest in realism. Hare hunting was a pursuit associated with the elite, but here, the hare is depicted not as a trophy, but as a living creature, caught in a moment of frantic energy. Understanding this work requires looking into the broader context of 19th-century Dutch society and the changing role of art within it. We can consult archives and historical documents to shed light on the social and cultural values that shaped Tavenraat's artistic vision. By doing so, we can gain a deeper appreciation of this seemingly simple drawing and its place in the history of Dutch art.