Histoire du petit Chaperon Rouge / Historie van Roodkapje 1827 - 1894

This lithograph titled, "Histoire du petit Chaperon Rouge," or "Historie van Roodkapje," was created by M. Hemeleers-van Houter sometime before 1880. Created during a period of increased literacy and burgeoning print culture, the work reflects the evolving role of women and children within society. This piece unfolds as a series of vignettes that present a visual narrative of Little Red Riding Hood, a story deeply embedded in Western cultural consciousness. The tale, ostensibly for children, carries darker undertones, addressing themes of vulnerability, deception, and the loss of innocence. The story has prompted many interpretations, some feminist readings of the tale highlight the vulnerability of the young female protagonist and the predatory nature of the wolf as metaphors for patriarchal dominance and sexual exploitation. The narrative evokes both the charm of childhood and the unsettling realities of the adult world, inviting reflection on the complex interplay between innocence and experience.