Haas 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat created this small sketch, called Haas, using pen and ink on paper. Looking at the swift, sure strokes of the pen, you can see Tavenraat had a confident hand, likely honed through constant practice. The thinness of the paper also speaks to its role as a preliminary study rather than a finished artwork. It was probably part of a larger sheet. Consider, too, the social context. Paper became increasingly accessible during the 19th century, which allowed artists to experiment more freely. Drawing was often seen as a foundational skill, essential for academic training. So, next time you see a sketch, don't just think of it as a preparatory step. Think about the materials, the making, and the context, and you'll start to see the bigger picture.