Vier illustraties voor Vanden vos Reinaerde 1876 - 1924

These four illustrations for "Vanden vos Reinaerde" were made by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof using graphite and colored pencil. Dijsselhof was part of the Dutch Art Nouveau movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period when artists explored symbolism and decorative arts to express deeper cultural meanings. These sketches bring to life a medieval Dutch fable, “Reynard the Fox,” a satirical story where animals in a kingdom reflect human society. By personifying animals, Dijsselhof could comment on social classes and behaviors. The use of animals allows a safe yet pointed critique of human folly. Look at the ways animals are dressed in royal attire, or engaged in human-like activities. This approach challenges traditional representations by imbuing animal figures with complex, human characteristics, reflecting the intersection of power, deceit, and survival. These illustrations invite us to consider how stories shape our understanding of society, using humor and critique to question the norms and behaviors around us.