Tafelpoten c. 1901

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof made this pen drawing of table legs, titled Tafelpoten, at an unknown date. This work can be understood in the context of the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At this time, there was a renewed interest in traditional craftsmanship, partly as a response to the increasing industrialization and mass production of goods. Artists and designers sought to elevate the status of decorative arts and crafts, emphasizing the importance of individual skill and artistic expression. The founding of museums such as the Rijksmuseum provided access to a wide range of art and design, while institutions like the Royal School of Art helped to shape the direction of artistic production. Dijsselhof's drawing reflects this ethos, celebrating the beauty and intricacy of handcrafted furniture. By studying drawings and designs like these, along with historical documents, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural values that informed artistic production.