Le mariage de Gilda aux cheveux d'or / het huwelijk van Gilda met de gouden haarlokken 1833 - 1911

This undated print at the Rijksmuseum, titled "Le mariage de Gilda aux cheveux d'or" or "The Marriage of Gilda with the Golden Locks," was made by Brepols & Dierckx. It presents us with a visual narrative of a fairy tale, rendered in a comic-strip style, a format that rose to popularity in the 19th century. The imagery harkens back to older folk traditions. Here we see Gilda in a series of encounters that ultimately lead to her marriage, reflecting themes of beauty, transformation, and social mobility common in European folklore. The choice of a fairy tale narrative can be seen as a reflection of the cultural values and beliefs of the time, offering insights into the roles and expectations placed upon women, the allure of wealth and status, and the dynamics of social relationships. To truly understand this print, one might delve into the history of popular printmaking in the 19th century. Further investigation into the cultural context in which Brepols & Dierckx operated, would help us to better understand the audience and the social commentary embedded within it.