Studies van een vrouw met muts 1840 - 1880

This study of a woman with a bonnet was made by Johannes Tavenraat, using graphite on paper. Although modest in scale, it provides insight into the artist's working process. Notice the thin lines and tonal variations achieved with graphite. Tavenraat's skill resides in his ability to rapidly capture light and shadow, mass and form. Graphite is a readily available, relatively inexpensive material, especially suitable for sketching and preliminary studies. In this case, it allows Tavenraat to quickly explore the subject's features from multiple angles, capturing various poses and expressions. These sketches offer a glimpse into the artist's creative development. By focusing on the material and the making, we can appreciate the artist's technical skill and conceptual thinking, and move beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.