Ontwerp voor een bord met drie blauw-gele, omlaagzwemmende vissen bij een waterplant c. 1875 - 1890

Curator: We are looking at Gustave Fraipont's "Ontwerp voor een bord met drie blauw-gele, omlaagzwemmende vissen bij een waterplant," a design for a plate with three blue and yellow fish swimming downward by a water plant, likely created sometime between 1875 and 1890. It’s a watercolor. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the tonal contrast. That stark black framing sharply focuses my gaze inward, towards the circular scene of aquatic life rendered in such delicate watercolor washes. It really emphasizes the composition. Curator: The use of this circular format is quite interesting in the context of the period’s artistic trends and the increasing Japonisme influence in Europe. Note, Fraipont seems interested in the serialization and circulation of designs; this could have been mass-produced for dinnerware. This contrasts the traditional hierarchies of art and craft. Editor: I see what you mean, it certainly lacks the ambition of grand academic painting! But if we stick with the design itself, I am struck by how he suggests depth through the varying translucence of the watery background. And did you see how, in a minimal brushstroke, he can capture the essence of a fish’s scales or the way sunlight filters through the water? Curator: It reflects an interest in portraying elements from nature within decorative arts and popular culture and highlights a growing ecological awareness in a time of industrialization. Editor: Perhaps, or maybe Fraipont simply admired how the flowing form of these fish would translate onto porcelain. The sinuous curves, the subtle color gradations… He has an intuitive feel for material harmony and fluid form. Curator: Whatever his reasons, Fraipont’s study reflects an intersection between art and everyday life, between design and the broader cultural moment where ecological concerns began entering public discourse. It is a rather unique look into our history and material culture, wouldn't you say? Editor: Certainly a visually refreshing detour. It's nice to consider how Fraipont captures such vibrant yet ephemeral qualities within this compact form.