Courtisane en kikker 1887 - 1896

Ogata Gekko’s woodblock print presents a courtesan with an umbrella and a frog, created in Japan at the turn of the 20th century. The frog is a symbol of good fortune and return, a poignant motif echoing through time. Consider the frog not just as an amphibian, but as a cultural carrier. It appears in ancient Egyptian art, linked to fertility and rebirth. Here, the courtesan’s gaze towards the frog might evoke a longing for a return to innocence, or perhaps a cyclical view of life. The delicate balance in this image—between the woman’s ornate attire and the simple presence of the frog—speaks volumes. It is a non-linear dance of symbols and feelings, constantly resurfacing, transformed yet familiar. The artist brings it to life, engaging our subconscious with symbols resonating through history.