Karikaturen van twee Amsterdamse typen 1876 - 1924

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof created this caricature of two Amsterdam characters with graphite. The stark contrast between the dark, dense lines forming the figures and the bare paper amplifies the expressiveness of the sketch, drawing our attention to the exaggerated features of the subjects. Dijsselhof's emphasis on line and form over realistic representation introduces us to structuralist ideas. The drawing uses simplified shapes to convey the essence of its subjects. Note how lines are not merely outlines but carriers of expression, defining the mood and character of each figure. The use of stark black and white flattens the image, reducing depth and emphasizing the artificiality of the representation. By isolating and exaggerating certain physical traits, Dijsselhof invites us to question how we construct identity and meaning through visual signs. This piece, with its raw execution and focus on essential forms, remains a compelling example of how structural elements can communicate complex cultural insights. The drawing's caricature form does not simply mimic reality but actively interprets and reshapes it.