Band met een bladmotief c. 1901

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof made this band met een bladmotief with graphite. I love this sketchy design for a band with a leaf motif, it’s so elegant and simple. You can see the artist working out the forms with a light touch, almost like doodling, but with a clear sense of purpose. The graphite lines are delicate, creating a sense of lightness and movement. I imagine Dijsselhof sitting at his desk, sketchbook open, letting his imagination wander as he explores different ways to arrange the leaves and scrolls. Maybe he was thinking about the natural world, or perhaps he was inspired by other decorative arts. It reminds me of the work of other designers and illustrators who were exploring similar themes at the time, like Aubrey Beardsley, but with a more organic feel. It's just a drawing but you know, these artists, they're always in conversation, across time, inspiring each other!