Aquarium met goudwinden 1876 - 1924

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof made this drawing, Aquarium met goudwinden, with colored chalk. Dijsselhof was part of the Dutch Symbolist movement, a period when artists turned inward, exploring dreams and the subconscious. Imagine the artist, sketching these goldfish, not just as creatures in a tank, but as symbols. Notice how the fish seem to huddle together, their muted tones creating a sense of quiet unease. This isn't simply a study of nature; it's an exploration of containment and observation, themes relevant to Dijsselhof's time. The late 19th century saw rapid industrialization and urbanization. For some, this period triggered a longing for simpler times. Yet, this nostalgia often came at a price, as the Symbolists were keen to engage with their subjectivity, and its potential to be at odds with the world. Dijsselhof’s aquarium becomes a metaphor, asking us to consider what it means to be confined, observed, and perhaps, misunderstood.