Ex libris voor Dora Calisch-Hijmans - Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof

A refined woodcut bookplate by Dutch artist Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof, featuring a stylised letter C and geometric floral motifs in the Nieuwe Kunst style.

This ex libris, or bookplate, by the Dutch artist Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof reflects the aesthetic principles of the Nieuwe Kunst movement. As a contemporary of the international Art Nouveau style, Dijsselhof was deeply engaged with the integration of typography and decorative motifs. The composition centres on a large, stylised letter C, which serves as the primary structural element. Within the curve of the letter, two square panels feature geometric, floral-inspired patterns that demonstrate the artist's interest in stylised natural forms. The surrounding frame incorporates delicate, flowing leaf motifs that balance the weight of the central letter. Below the design, the French phrase 'COMPRENDRE C'EST LE REFLET D'ECREER' is rendered in a hand-drawn, sans-serif typeface that aligns with the geometric rigour of the period. The work is a fine example of the Dutch approach to book arts, where the bookplate was treated as a miniature canvas for personal expression and graphic experimentation. Dijsselhof was a significant figure in the Dutch decorative arts, known for his work in woodcut printing and interior design. His approach often favoured a disciplined, rhythmic arrangement of lines, avoiding excessive ornamentation in favour of clear, structural clarity. This piece captures the transition from traditional illustration to the modern graphic design sensibilities that emerged at the turn of the twentieth century. The print is presented on a neutral, textured paper, which allows the stark black ink to maintain its visual impact. It is an ideal choice for those interested in the history of typography, the evolution of the bookplate as a collector's item, and the specific graphic language of the Dutch Nieuwe Kunst movement.