Klein Duimpje 1827 - 1894

This series of panels illustrates the tale of Little Thumb, reminiscent of chapbooks used to teach children lessons in the 19th century. Note the recurrence of the color blue to indicate Little Thumb and his brother's clothing. This motif echoes the 'wanderer' archetype found across cultures, from ancient myths to romantic-era art. Consider, for instance, the blue cloak often associated with figures like the Virgin Mary. Blue is used in both of them to symbolize divinity and purity, subtly suggesting Little Thumb's role as a savior. The dark forest, a recurring image, taps into our collective fear of the unknown. It appears in myriad fairy tales, symbolizing danger and transformation. The forest, like the sea, offers a psychological space for confronting our deepest fears and emerging renewed. Just as the hero Jason faced the terrors of the Black Sea, Little Thumb confronts the dark wood to discover himself. The symbolic weight of these images engages viewers on a primal level, tapping into our shared human experiences and the cultural inheritance of fear and hope.