Koppen en een haas 1840 - 1880

This is a pen and ink drawing of heads and a hare by Johannes Tavenraat. It’s undated but likely from the mid-19th century. Tavenraat was a Dutch artist working during a period of significant social change and burgeoning national identity. The quick, fluid lines suggest a moment of capturing raw, unfiltered observations. But what do we make of these heads, these faces? They seem to depict working-class individuals, perhaps farmers or laborers, each etched with the marks of their daily lives. Placed alongside them, the hare, caught in mid-stride, introduces an element of vulnerability and wildness. Consider the cultural context: during the 19th century, class distinctions were stark, and representations of the working class often leaned towards caricature or idealization. Tavenraat seems to offer neither. Instead, he presents us with a series of unvarnished portraits, inviting us to see the humanity in each face. These images remind us to reflect on the unseen narratives and lived experiences of those who often remain on the margins of history.