Twee rivierkreeften 1887 - 1924

Curator: So, we are standing in front of Julie de Graag’s “Twee Rivierkreeften,” or “Two Crayfish,” an etching that was made sometime between 1887 and 1924. Editor: It feels incredibly intimate, almost like we’re peering into a secret underwater world. There's a beautiful tension between the crisp, sharp lines of the crayfish and the soft, hazy background. Curator: De Graag was really operating within the Dutch avant-garde at this time, part of a broader interest in the decorative arts and natural forms—you see how Art Nouveau influences are showing? It’s about flattening perspective and prioritizing these stylized motifs. Editor: Absolutely. And what strikes me is how she manages to convey movement and stillness at once. The crayfish feel poised, ready to dart away, yet the overall composition has this quiet, almost meditative quality. It's an unusual pairing, like a haiku for the eye. Curator: Think about the etching as a medium as well, it lends itself to these graphic, high contrast images. She probably wanted this accessible as print media; she wanted a democratic appeal. Editor: Right, making art part of everyday life. And these two crayfish... I find them oddly charming. Not traditionally beautiful, perhaps, but their intricate details and those imposing claws give them a unique kind of presence, don’t you think? There's something almost comical about their seriousness. Curator: I do agree. De Graag positions nature not just as something to be admired from afar but to engage with thoughtfully, to show the real inhabitants, not just picturesque scenery. It’s about that change of modern life. Editor: Well, I'm grateful for her unique vision. It’s these quirky details that make an artwork memorable. De Graag’s crawfish have completely charmed me. Curator: Indeed, seeing it now, through your perspective, has added another layer of understanding for me. It seems Julie de Graag achieved precisely what she set out to do: create a dialogue between us and the overlooked wonders of the natural world.