Zou dat waar zijn? 1881

This is a lithograph by De Ruyter & Meijer, presenting a series of vignettes reminiscent of folklore illustrations. Notice the recurring motif of the hat, worn jauntily or held aloft. Throughout history, headwear has signified status, identity, and even rebellion. Think of the Phrygian cap, symbol of freedom in antiquity, revived during the French Revolution. Here, the hat’s playful presence suggests a narrative of shifting fortunes and identities. Consider the image of the man caught beneath the waterfall. This act of cleansing and transformation echoes ancient myths of rebirth. Water, a symbol of both destruction and renewal, immerses the figure, suggesting a potential for change. We are unconsciously drawn to these symbols, recognizing them from our collective cultural memory. These images, like echoes of earlier forms, appear in different contexts, evolving and adapting. They are imbued with new meanings across time and place, yet retain the power to resonate with our deepest emotions and cultural knowledge.