Spreekwoorden 1850

This print by Jan Schuitemaker, titled “Spreekwoorden” presents a collection of Dutch proverbs visualized in four scenes. Observe how each image captures a proverb, a piece of folk wisdom passed down, like echoes in a hall of mirrors. One scene depicts a group gathered, perhaps around a well. The act of ‘drowning the calf’ appears here. What unfolds, though, when we delve deeper, is a ritual cleansing, a symbolic act of renewal. Now, consider the cyclical nature of these symbols. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different eras. The power of such imagery lies in its ability to resonate with our collective unconscious. It is in this way that these symbols act as a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.