Spreekwoorden en gezegden 1865 - 1875

This print, made by George Lodewijk Funke, presents a mosaic of Dutch proverbs and sayings, each tableau rich with symbolic meaning. Take, for example, the image of the fox. The fox has long been a symbol of cunning and deception, a trait recognized across cultures from Aesop's fables to Germanic folklore. Note how in this depiction, the fox lurks near a window, suggesting a hidden agenda. This resonates with the animal's frequent portrayal in art as a trickster, a figure that embodies the darker aspects of human nature. Consider how, even in contemporary media, the fox often retains this association with cleverness, often used to express hidden desires. The cyclical nature of these symbols reveals how cultural memory operates. These proverbs, visually encoded, connect us to past generations, echoing through time and reminding us of the enduring wisdom and follies of humanity.