Geen dieren staan op deze prent, / Die u geheel zijn onbekend 1816 - 1849

This print, made by J.J. Bollemij, presents a grid of familiar animals, yet each is partially obscured by vibrant blocks of colour. This bold overlay immediately captures our attention, disrupting our perception of the images. Bollemij’s approach invites us to question how we recognize and categorize the world around us. The imposition of color acts as a semiotic intervention, challenging the viewer to decode the image. This interplay between image and abstraction echoes broader philosophical concerns about representation and the limits of perception. The overlaid colours, create new relationships that disrupt established meanings. Is Bollemij suggesting a breakdown of traditional forms? The composition encourages us to reflect on the instability of meaning. This disruption is not merely aesthetic but serves as a commentary on the subjective nature of interpretation.