Fridolin ou le page du roi de Portugal / Fridolin of den edelknaep van den koning van Portugael 1856 - 1900

This print by Glenisson & Zonen narrates the tale of Fridolin, a page in the court of the King of Portugal. The recurring motif of justice, particularly the scenes of accusation, trial by fire, and execution, are laden with symbolism. These moments echo ancient rituals found across cultures, where judgment and punishment are enacted to restore order. Think of the trial by ordeal common in medieval Europe, where innocence was determined through physical trials. The image of Fridolin facing the forge evokes a deep-seated, almost primal fear—the fear of fire as both purifier and destroyer. This fear resonates across time, from ancient myths to modern anxieties. The cyclical nature of justice, the interplay between accusation and vindication, speaks to our collective unconscious, where themes of guilt, punishment, and redemption are eternally replayed. This artwork becomes a stage for these primal dramas, engaging us on a level that transcends its historical context.