De blauwe vogel 1894 - 1959

This is "De blauwe vogel," or "The Blue Bird," an undated print by Gordinne in the Rijksmuseum. Its story unfolds in a comic strip format, a popular mode of visual storytelling that democratized art by making it accessible to a broad audience. The narrative, seemingly for children, blends domestic scenes with elements of fantasy. A bluebird, traditionally a symbol of happiness, leads the children to an encounter with a dragon. Such imagery can be understood within a historical context marked by increasing literacy and the rise of mass media. The print's distribution through popular channels reflects a changing attitude towards art's role in society. Instead of solely serving elite patrons, art like this was intended to educate and entertain a wider public. To fully grasp the artwork, one can delve into archives of children's literature, studies of the illustrated press, and social histories of leisure and education. This reveals how art, even in seemingly simple forms, participates in shaping cultural values and social norms.