Studies van een vis, met kleurnotities 1876 - 1924

Here we see Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof’s sketch, "Studies van een vis, met kleurnotities," created with pencil on paper. Dominating the composition is the fish, a symbol rich with layers of meaning, from ancient fertility rites to Christian iconography. Note the careful rendering of the fish's form and the artist's handwritten annotations. In Christianity, the fish, or "Ichthys," became an emblem of faith, an acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior." But long before Christianity, the fish held significance. Think of the Babylonian god Oannes, a fish-man hybrid bringing wisdom to humanity. Or consider the ancient Mediterranean cultures, where fish were linked to goddesses of the sea and fertility. Observe how Dijsselhof captures the fish's essence, transcending mere representation. It is a potent reminder that symbols carry echoes of our collective past. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, yet their ancient power remains.