Schetsblad met studies van twee goudwinden 1876 - 1924

This is Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof's sketch of two goldfish, made with graphite on paper. Dijsselhof was a Dutch artist who lived through immense transformation, as the industrial revolution and colonialism changed Europe. He was interested in the decorative arts, which were often seen as a feminine pursuit. He saw the potential for art to be integrated into everyday life, breaking down traditional hierarchies in the art world. This sketch is intriguing because it focuses on an animal, rather than a person. It captures the subtle, fleeting moments of nature, reflecting a desire to find beauty in the ordinary. This sketch is very intimate, it feels like a personal study, an attempt to understand and capture the essence of these creatures. It also represents a shift towards a more inclusive, democratic view of art, where beauty can be found anywhere.