Fragment bedrukte trijp met verticale geornamenteerde strepen c. 1925

This is a fragment of printed velvet with ornamented vertical stripes by Jaap Gidding. Look closely, and you'll see the dominant motif: stylized animal figures arranged in horizontal lines. These evoke ancient Egyptian symbols of power and divinity, like crocodiles or serpents along the Nile, yet they are subtly abstracted, reflecting a modern sensibility. The repetition of the motif speaks to its cultural endurance, reminiscent of ancient friezes and textiles where animals symbolize primal forces. Consider, for example, the serpent, often associated with transformation and renewal, appearing not only in Egyptian iconography but also in Greek and Roman art as a symbol of healing or chaos. This archetype resonates deeply within the collective unconscious, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Notice how these animal figures are not static but seem to undulate and flow, a reminder that symbols are never fixed; they evolve and resurface, each time acquiring new meanings in different historical contexts.