Studies van vissen, met kleurnotities 1876 - 1924

These are Studies van vissen, met kleurnotities, drawn by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof. Here, Dijsselhof sketches several fish heads, capturing their forms with a naturalist’s eye. The fish, often a symbol of abundance and transformation across various cultures, reveals a deeper connection to the subconscious. The symbol of the fish can be traced back to early Christian art, where it served as a covert signifier of faith during times of persecution. The Greek word for fish, "Ichthys," formed an acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior." Yet, even before Christianity, fish held significance in ancient mythologies, representing fertility and the depths of the unknown. The fish motif has resurfaced and evolved in art through the ages, each time carrying echoes of its past. It's a non-linear progression, and its image remains a potent carrier of cultural memory.