Geschiedenis van Rood-kapje / Histoire du petit Chaperon-Rouge 1833 - 1911

This lithograph by Brepols & Dierckx zoon presents the tale of Little Red Riding Hood in a series of vignettes. Dominating the narrative is the color red, specifically in the young girl’s hood, a symbol laden with cultural significance. Red, historically, is a color of extremes. It signifies life and vitality, think of the blood coursing through our veins, yet it also embodies danger and aggression. This duality is palpable in the narrative. The red hood, initially a sign of innocence, becomes a marker of vulnerability as she ventures into the perilous woods. Consider the wolf, a figure that appears across cultures. From the lupine deities of ancient Rome to the monstrous wolves of folklore, this creature embodies primal instincts. In Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf's cunning and predatory nature preys on the girl's innocence, triggering deep-seated fears of the unknown. The tale engages our subconscious, reminding us of the fragility of childhood and the lurking dangers of the world. The story’s cyclical progression reflects the non-linear nature of memory, with the tale reappearing and evolving throughout history, each time reminding us of our primal fears and cultural anxieties.