Studies van verschillende vissen, met kleurnotities 1876 - 1924

Editor: This is “Studies van verschillende vissen, met kleurnotities,” a pencil and ink drawing on paper by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof, made sometime between 1876 and 1924. It reminds me of a page ripped from a naturalist’s notebook. What strikes you about it? Curator: Oh, it's pure poetry, isn't it? More than just scientific observation, I sense Dijsselhof trying to capture the very essence of fish-ness. The way they shimmer and dart. These aren’t portraits; they are fleeting impressions. It is very intuitive, wouldn't you say? It feels deeply personal. I can almost smell the river, you know? Editor: It’s funny you say that. I thought the looseness of the sketch made it seem detached. What makes it personal for you? Curator: It's the little details that sing to me, you see? The color notes scribbled alongside each fish—"blank tom"-- that evokes feeling, almost like he is struggling to contain his enthusiasm. Isn't it interesting how one artist observes fish in a laboratory whereas Dijsselhof immerses himself to connect on some visceral level? Does this remind you of other artists perhaps? Editor: Not that I can think of, really. But I see what you mean about the artist’s engagement in capturing the subject of these fish studies. I like that I am seeing it now not just as a scientific study, but an emotional one as well! Curator: Exactly! Art opens doors where we least expect. Don't be surprised to see things where the lines begin to blur—I mean, art meets science… magic, right?