Studieblad met goudwinden 1876 - 1924

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof created this drawing, Studieblad met goudwinden, with a graphite pencil on paper. This image offers us a glimpse into the natural world, specifically the shimmering forms of goldfish in their aquatic environment. Made in the Netherlands, Dijsselhof was part of a generation that sought inspiration in non-western art. It’s worth considering how Japanese prints, with their close observation of natural forms, influenced his aesthetic. Dijsselhof was known for his decorative designs, and this image could be a study for a larger project. We can ask, then, how this study relates to the Dutch tradition of still life painting, which often celebrated wealth and trade through detailed depictions of precious objects. Yet, rather than display possessions, Dijsselhof seems drawn to the intrinsic beauty of these creatures. To understand Dijsselhof’s work more deeply, archival research into his personal papers and engagement with contemporary art criticism would be invaluable. By investigating the social and institutional context, we can see how Dijsselhof's art negotiated prevailing artistic trends.