Sleper 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat’s ‘Sleper’ is made from graphite on paper, and it's the quickness of this medium that really makes the drawing. The artist has captured a man, a ‘sleper’, who is mid-motion carrying what appear to be ropes. Tavenraat’s rapid and economical style is very effective; he conveys the texture of the man’s clothes, and the weight of the ropes he’s carrying, with very few strokes. The tools used are pretty simple; a graphite stick and paper. But with these, Tavenraat creates a scene that alludes to the labor and industry of the time. You can really imagine the scene in your mind's eye, with the man walking along the docks, getting on with his job. This piece highlights how a simple drawing can provide a fascinating snapshot of the labor and social context of its time, showing that craft and fine art can intertwine to create truly evocative works.