Who painted Pike and Perch in an Aquaruim?

Pike and Perch in an Aquaruim was painted by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof in 1915.

Where can I see Pike and Perch in an Aquaruim?

Pike and Perch in an Aquaruim is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Pike and Perch in an Aquaruim?

Pike and Perch in an Aquaruim is associated with Art Nouveau.

Can I buy a print of Pike and Perch in an Aquaruim?

Museum-quality prints of Pike and Perch in an Aquaruim are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Pike and Perch in an Aquaruim

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof , 1915

Pike and Perch in an Aquaruim is an oil painting by the Art Nouveau artist Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof’s 1915 oil work, titled Pike and Perch in an Aquarium, presents an underwater tableau viewed through a glass enclosure. The composition centers on a group of fish gliding amid subdued tones, while muted rocks and aquatic foliage frame the scene, establishing a tranquil atmosphere that draws the eye into the quiet interior of the tank.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on a small school of pike and perch, their bodies rendered in shades of gray, white, and occasional black striping. By isolating these creatures within the artificial confines of an aquarium, the work reflects on the observation of nature in a controlled setting, suggesting a contemplative pause on the relationship between the wild and its display.

Technique & Style

Dijsselhof employs chiaroscuro, contrasting luminous highlights with deeper shadows to model the fish and surrounding elements, imparting a three‑dimensional quality. The handling of oil paint captures the subtle refraction of light on water, while the restrained palette and soft brushwork convey the gentle movement of the aquatic environment.

History & Provenance

Created in the final years of Dijsselhof’s career, the painting entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in early twentieth‑century Dutch genre scenes that explore everyday subjects with refined observation.

Context

At the time of its execution, interest in domestic and scientific study of marine life was rising, and aquarium exhibitions were popular public attractions. Dijsselhof’s work aligns with this cultural moment, offering a visual record of contemporary fascination with the hidden world beneath water’s surface.