Asschepoester 1865 - 1875

This lithograph, made by George Lodewijk Funke, presents a series of vignettes that capture scenes from the tale of Cinderella. Each scene is rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing the narrative's progression. Funke employs a grid-like composition, structuring the fairy tale into digestible moments. The use of monochromatic tones enriches the dramatic contrast, highlighting the emotive and transformative sequences of the story. This formal choice simplifies the visual narrative, inviting viewers to engage with the underlying themes of social mobility and transformation. The lithograph challenges established meanings by presenting a visual hierarchy. The transformation of Cinderella isn't just a plot device, it serves as a broader cultural commentary on the fluidity of social roles. Funke uses visual language to suggest that identities are not fixed but constructed through cultural codes and symbolic representations. The structured composition and dramatic contrasts, function aesthetically and culturally. Funke invites us to question fixed social categories, understanding art as a site of ongoing cultural interpretation.