Band met bladmotief 1876 - 1924

This is Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof's sketch, "Band met bladmotief," currently residing here at the Rijksmuseum. Though undated, Dijsselhof was active during a fascinating period of cultural transition, particularly with the rise of Art Nouveau at the turn of the 20th century. Consider the role of nature in times of great social change. In Dijsselhof's era, rapid industrialization drove artists to seek refuge and inspiration in the natural world. His choice to focus on leaves is not merely aesthetic, but reflects a yearning for a simpler, perhaps more authentic existence. How does it feel to see this sketch? Is it a return to innocence, or a commentary on the relationship between humanity and nature? Dijsselhof encourages us to reflect on the impact of our rapidly changing world, and to find our own sense of beauty and meaning.