Hond aan de ketting, voor zich een dode haas 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat captured this scene of a dog and a hare using pen in the 19th century. Here, the artist's choice of pen and ink lends itself to the immediacy and dynamism of the subject matter. The stark contrast of the ink against the paper creates a sense of drama. Tavenraat masterfully uses line work to depict texture and form, from the dog's fur to the lifeless hare. The fluidity of ink allows for quick, expressive strokes that convey the energy and tension of the scene. Consider the historical context, where hunting was a common practice and dogs were valuable assets. The image reflects the social hierarchy of the time, where animals were often viewed as tools for human purposes. There's also the labor involved in hunting, the training of the dog, and the management of the land. By focusing on the materials and making of this drawing, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance. It's a reminder that even the simplest of materials can be used to tell complex stories about society, labor, and our relationship with the natural world.