Triomfboog c. 1901

Here is a sketch of architectural elements by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof, which is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Dijsselhof was a Dutch artist working at the turn of the 20th century, a time of significant cultural transition and questioning of traditional values. This sketch offers us a glimpse into the artist's exploration of form and structure. While on the surface it appears to be a study of architectural details, it's important to consider that the artist was working in a period where the very foundations of society were being questioned. Arches and pillars, symbols of established power and order, are reduced to lines on paper. Is Dijsselhof merely documenting, or is he subtly deconstructing these symbols? The sketch invites us to reflect on the relationship between art, power, and the individual's place within a changing world. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple studies can carry deeper meanings, reflecting the complex interplay of identity, history, and cultural context.