Vignet met twee exotische vogels 1892

Curator: What a peculiar print! Is it just me, or do those birds seem about to duel? Editor: Indeed, it's an intriguing woodcut titled "Vignet met twee exotische vogels"—"Vignette with Two Exotic Birds." Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof created it around 1892. It’s part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection, a fine example of Art Nouveau with strong Symbolist undertones. Curator: Art Nouveau, alright. All swirls and svelte lines even in this stylized little battle. They've got serious 'tude! Is this green original, or a later addition? Editor: The green is part of the original print, likely a deliberate choice. Symbolism often used colour to evoke certain moods or ideas. Green could represent growth, but also envy. The intertwining necks – that might point to duality, maybe competition. Curator: It looks so incredibly decorative but also unnervingly confrontational. Almost like a coat of arms for warring flamingo tribes! Do we know if Dijsselhof designed other heraldic beasts or anything along those lines? Editor: While Dijsselhof wasn't primarily known for heraldry, he was deeply invested in decorative arts, interior design, and the Gesamtkunstwerk ideal. This print reflects the era's desire to elevate craft and blur the lines between fine art and applied design. The print was created during a period of intense artistic experimentation, challenging traditional hierarchies. Curator: It makes one wonder where this was originally meant to "land." It's fascinating how the aesthetic of that era permeated everything from high art to… well, apparently to dueling bird emblems. Editor: And maybe that's the beauty of it. That an artistic vision like that of Dijsselhof touches our sensibility more than a century after. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I appreciate that.