Sluitvignet met twee naar elkaar gekeerde libellen 1893

This small drawing of two facing dragonflies was made by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof, likely with pen and ink on paper. You might think of it as just a sketch, but notice the careful symmetry and balance. Dijsselhof was fascinated by nature, and also by the decorative potential of line. Here, he has reduced the dragonflies to their essence, creating a repeating pattern that could easily be translated into other media. Dijsselhof was active at a time when artists and designers were working together to create total environments – interiors where every detail was carefully considered. Designs like this could be used on wallpaper, textiles, or even furniture. So, next time you see a simple drawing, remember that it might be more than just a sketch. It could be a key to understanding how artists and designers were thinking about the world around them, and how they could transform it into something beautiful and functional.