Schetsblad met vissen 1876 - 1924

Curator: Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof's "Schetsblad met vissen," or "Sketch sheet with fish," made sometime between 1876 and 1924, is currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. It's rendered in pencil and ink on paper. Editor: Well, hello chaos! At first glance, it looks like a jumble of lines. Is this supposed to be fish, or a fishy fever dream? It has this almost urgent, fleeting feel to it. Curator: Indeed. You're right to note that energy. These sketches, likely from his personal sketchbook, show a fascinating look into his artistic process. It seems he was experimenting with capturing movement. Editor: It definitely captures something...almost a frenzied energy, like he's trying to catch the essence of the fish before it swims away. And there's a haunting face up in the corner with a funny mustache! Is that a fish-man hybrid? Curator: Perhaps! Dijsselhof's broader body of work places him in the Dutch Art Nouveau movement. It really contrasts his often meticulously detailed designs. These sketches provide us an amazing and raw understanding. I think they suggest his deeper interest in the natural world beyond accurate representation. Editor: So, this isn't about a pristine portrait, but more about feeling the life force of the fish? That almost frantic energy you described? I appreciate that a lot more now. It's less about perfect depiction and more about the vibe. The little moustached figure is very striking—and adds an interesting dimension to the aquatic exploration on the page. It feels as though Dijsselhof felt comfortable, perhaps in private, breaking the established boundaries. Curator: Exactly! In this way, the sketches showcase his freedom from more conventional art demands. You also have to acknowledge the sketchbook itself: who sees it and why? It adds an element of art politics to a piece that initially feels totally spontaneous. Editor: Absolutely. Now I see it as not just a study of fish but also a study of artistic freedom. Sort of like a glimpse into the artist's playful side, unbound by expectations. Curator: Precisely. These loose, rapid drawings bring us closer to his unique style and vision as an artist at that pivotal moment. Editor: So much to learn, even from a humble "sketch sheet!" Thanks to Dijsselhoff, I suppose. And to the power of slightly unnerving moustached figures.