Roodkapje en Klein Duimpje 1848 - 1881

This black and white print, “Roodkapje en Klein Duimpje,” presents scenes from well-known fairy tales through simple woodcut illustrations. Notice how the forest looms large, a dense backdrop for Little Red Riding Hood's encounter with the wolf and Thumb's abandonment. Forests, since ancient times, have symbolized the untamed wilderness of the human psyche, a place of trials. Here, the wolf embodies primal instincts and hidden dangers, mirroring similar figures in folklore across Europe—beasts like the werewolf. Consider the moment when Thumb is left in the woods. This motif echoes stories of exile and abandonment, recurring in myths from Oedipus to Hansel and Gretel. It taps into our deepest fears of isolation, resonating across centuries. This primal fear engages viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of our shared vulnerabilities. In fairy tales, such symbols have proven to be powerful forces, capable of tapping into the collective unconscious, resurfacing in different eras.