Schol 1836 - 1912

Curator: Before us is “Schol,” a pencil drawing by Isaac Weissenbruch, created sometime between 1836 and 1912, currently residing here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Its delicate lines and subtle shading give it such a quiet, almost melancholy air. It is very serene. Curator: Weissenbruch, known for his realistic style, indeed captured something profound in this seemingly simple sketch of a flatfish, a schol. The meticulous rendering speaks volumes. Editor: The precision is remarkable. Look at how the artist articulates the details of its scales and markings. How do you perceive the placement within its period and culture? Curator: In the Netherlands during the late 19th century, there was a surge of interest in Realism. Art academies advocated a new philosophy—truth to nature as an independent, objective, almost scientific goal. This work captures the zeitgeist and is perhaps more complex than meets the eye. Editor: Exactly! There's an inherent contradiction. The meticulous detail borders on objective record, and the subtle tones evoke a strong sense of character in the fish. This evokes the larger social environment and interest in the "real" experiences and people. It also speaks of naturalism. Curator: Notice the starkness, with minimal context. Its formal values emphasize structure, rhythm and delicate tonal gradients across the fish, inviting one to contemplate these. I find such intensity in these shapes and tonalities! Editor: It is a captivating, yet still representation. I love that we are examining its composition. It highlights both an aesthetic choice and also reflects a key characteristic of Realism during this period: to look plainly at nature as it is. Curator: Reflecting on its visual characteristics alongside historical context, perhaps art like this invites us to observe the natural world, and art, with increased clarity and presence. Editor: I agree; “Schol” resonates as a humble masterpiece.