Schets van het onderstel van een tafel 1876 - 1924

Here we see Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof’s sketch, made with graphite on paper, of a table’s undercarriage. The composition is dominated by vertical lines suggesting a rational, almost architectural structure. Yet, this order is tempered by the playful inclusion of stylized animal figures and decorative motifs. The sketch balances functionality with artistic expression. The careful arrangement of vertical supports and crossbeams indicates structural integrity. The eye is drawn to the ornamental details: the concentric circles, the curved arches, and the stylized creatures which invite a semiotic reading, where each element functions as a sign within a visual language. It is not merely a functional object, but also a canvas for aesthetic exploration and a commentary on the fusion of art and everyday life. Consider how the interplay of geometric precision and organic ornamentation reflects broader cultural dialogues. How does this sketch challenge our expectations of furniture design? It encourages us to contemplate the potential for beauty and meaning in the mundane.