Detailstudies van een poon, met kleurnotities 1876 - 1924

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof made this drawing of gurnard studies with color notes on paper. Dijsselhof’s choice of graphite pencil speaks to his ability to capture subtle nuances in form and texture. Look closely at the way he renders the scales and fins of the gurnard, conveying their delicate structure through meticulous lines. The thinness of line is crucial here. Any heavier and the drawing would lose its provisional quality. What is interesting is that this sheet is not simply a study of form. Dijsselhof’s notes on color demonstrate an awareness of the gurnard’s inherent beauty, as he observes and captures the essence of its natural appearance with a sense of scientific curiosity. The color references serve as a reminder that this is more than just a drawing, it is a record of observation, classification, and interpretation. Dijsselhof was not just interested in the look of the fish. He was also deeply interested in how it lived, and how it appeared within its environment. By combining the close study of form and color, Dijsselhof bridges the gap between art and science.