Contourstudies van vissen 1876 - 1924

Editor: This is "Contourstudies van vissen," or "Contour Studies of Fish," by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof, dating from between 1876 and 1924. It's a pencil drawing currently held at the Rijksmuseum. I’m struck by its sketch-like quality, it really feels like we’re seeing the artist’s initial thoughts. What stands out to you when you look at it? Curator: The beauty for me lies in the immediacy of the artist's hand, evident in the very material of the pencil on paper. Dijsselhof, known for his involvement in the decorative arts, here seems to be exploring natural forms in a very direct way. The sketches almost look like a mass-produced product, exploring the relationship between fine art and design. Do you think this informs the context of art creation during the time? Editor: That's fascinating! It definitely makes me think about the blurring boundaries between art and craft during that period. It’s almost like a precursor to industrial design in a way, figuring out the basic form. Is there also a sense of the labor involved? It feels so spontaneous. Curator: Precisely. Though seemingly effortless, each line, each contour represents labor. Think of the artist's hand, the pressure applied to the pencil, the repetition of the motif. This reveals an underlying industrial model being implemented within Dijsselhof's work as his attention shifted from traditional paintings to drawings in sketchbooks, implying more studies with the possibility of using the works in textiles, wood panels or ceramic work later. Do you consider the means of art distribution? Editor: I do, and it certainly adds another dimension. It moves the discussion into mass consumption and dissemination, and even commodification. Curator: Absolutely. What starts as simple contour drawing can point to discussions about labor, production, consumption and access to art, that Dijsselhof hints in his material use. Editor: That’s a very enlightening approach! It’s amazing how a simple sketch can open up a whole world of material and social considerations. I'll never look at a drawing the same way.