Verschillende voorstellingen c. 1828 - 1913

This print, of unknown date, by Erve Wijsmuller, presents a series of vignettes, each offering a glimpse into Dutch society. Dominating the composition is a central image: a colossal wicker man, a figure steeped in ancient European ritual. The wicker man, historically linked to Celtic practices of sacrifice, here rises, surrounded by onlookers. The motif resonates with earlier depictions of giants and effigies used in pagan rites, yet its appearance in a modern Dutch context raises questions. Is it a symbol of tradition, a critique of barbaric pasts, or a commentary on the sacrifices demanded by modern society? Consider the endurance of such symbols. Across cultures, effigies have served as vessels for collective fears and hopes. The act of constructing and either venerating or destroying them allows societies to confront deep-seated anxieties. This wicker man, presented here, taps into our primal understanding of sacrifice, transformation, and the cyclical nature of belief. It is a potent reminder of how ancient symbols persist, evolving and adapting to new cultural landscapes.