Schetsblad met karpers 1876 - 1924

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof rendered this sketch sheet with carps with a delicate touch. Note how the carp, a symbol deeply embedded in various cultures, takes center stage. In East Asia, the carp embodies perseverance and ambition, stemming from the legend of carp transforming into dragons upon leaping over the Yellow River's Dragon Gate. This motif appears frequently in Chinese and Japanese art, symbolizing success and overcoming obstacles. However, observe its transformation as it journeys westward. In European art, fish, including carp, often bear Christian connotations, representing abundance and faith, especially when depicted in biblical scenes. Consider the psychological dimension: the fish, an ancient symbol of the subconscious, swimming in the depths, mirrors our own hidden thoughts and desires. Dijsselhof's sketch evokes this primal connection, tapping into our collective unconscious. As we contemplate these carps, remember that symbols are not static but rather, they are fluid entities that shift and evolve, reflecting the ever-changing currents of human experience.