Studies van schubben 1876 - 1924

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof created this study of scales on paper with graphite, though we don't know exactly when. The use of graphite allows for a remarkable range of tones and textures. Notice the artist’s careful application of shading to mimic three-dimensionality, yet he also embraces the flatness of the page, creating a visual push and pull. The geometric patterns, so meticulously rendered, demonstrate Dijsselhof’s understanding of how to translate natural forms into stylized motifs. Dijsselhof was deeply engaged with the Arts and Crafts movement. This aesthetic tradition, arising in the context of industrialization, emphasized the value of handcraft, and the importance of aestheticizing everyday life. Dijsselhof, like many artists of his generation, sought to elevate the status of decorative arts, blurring the boundaries between fine art and design. The artwork is a testament to the artist's skill and dedication to craft, inviting us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of artistic expression.