Aquarium met waterplanten en visjes, met kleurnotities 1876 - 1924

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof rendered this drawing of an aquarium with aquatic plants and fish using graphite and ink on paper. Note how the graphite creates depth and shadow in the water and the foliage, while ink defines the delicate outlines of the plants and marine life. The artist’s quick notations about color reveal a desire to capture the vibrant hues of an underwater scene. Dijsselhof's choice of humble materials – paper, graphite, and ink – contrasts with the detailed observation of the natural world, where the interplay of light, color, and form is endless. Through the marks and sketches, the artist's hand is visible, and his fascination with the textures and patterns found in nature becomes tangible. The paper's surface, with its slight imperfections, adds a tactile dimension to the artwork, inviting closer inspection. This piece challenges traditional notions of high art by celebrating the beauty of the ordinary, reminding us of the significance found in the process of making and the materials at hand.