Schetsboek met 34 bladen 1881 - 1927

This sketchbook, made by Johan Antonie de Jonge, presents a fascinating study in the symbolism of enclosure. Consider the binding—a deliberate act of containment. What secrets lie within these closed pages? Across cultures, the act of binding holds profound significance. Think of the swaddling clothes of infancy, securing safety. Or the tightly bound scrolls of ancient libraries, safeguarding wisdom. The cloth is a symbol for 'protection' and 'containment.' Here, the binding not only holds the book together, but also hints at the preservation of knowledge. Our subconscious is often drawn to such protective symbols. The act of securing, of enclosing, touches on a primal need for safety. So the emotional weight of this sketchbook lies in its promise of guarded knowledge, inviting viewers to contemplate what treasures it holds.