Historie van Engelsch Duimpje 1848 - 1881

This is "Historie van Engelsch Duimpje," made by Lutkie & Cranenburg. It's a printed story told in a grid of illustrations. Observe how the figure of the small boy, Duimpje—or Tom Thumb—recurs across each scene. He is the central motif, a symbol of vulnerability and resilience in the face of a larger, often indifferent world. This tiny figure echoes the ancient archetype of the hero who, despite their insignificance, navigates perilous trials. Think of the hero Theseus, threading the labyrinth; or the Nordic Sigurd, so small but so brave. Our Duimpje, too, carries this echo, reminding us that smallness can be a wellspring of unexpected power. Like the medieval emblem of the thumb, often depicted in moralizing prints, Duimpje is a symbol of human potential and courage in miniature. This isn’t a linear narrative; it’s a cyclical return to a primal human experience, replayed through generations.