Van allerlei soort 1892 - 1905

Charles Laplante created this print, "Van allerlei soort", using wood engraving, and it is now held in the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, the disparate scenes might seem unrelated, but they are unified by common threads of human experience and emotional expression. Consider the image of the woman spinning thread. The act of spinning is laden with symbolism. In antiquity, the Fates spun the threads of life. This image evokes the cyclical nature of existence. The thread links back to classical mythology, such as Ariadne's thread which guided Theseus through the labyrinth. Across time and cultures, the thread becomes a symbol of destiny and continuity. The recurring motif of the thread speaks to our collective subconscious. We see how symbols evolve, yet retain their core psychological power, engaging viewers on a deep, primal level. This illustrates the non-linear progression of symbols, resurfacing across history.