Geschiedenis van Reinaert de vos / Histoire de mâitre Renard 1856 - 1900

Curator: Here we have “Geschiedenis van Reinaert de vos / Histoire de maître Renard,” a print from between 1856 and 1900, attributed to Glenisson & Zonen. Editor: My first impression is of aged pages of folklore rendered in a naive style – it looks like an early ancestor to modern comics. Curator: Indeed. The narrative unfolds across several panels, each a little window into the world of Reynard the Fox. Each image is steeped in symbolism derived from centuries of fables – tales of cunning and morality. Look at how the figures are arranged – are they heroes or villains? How does posture indicate their intention? Editor: What's immediately striking is the engraving technique; notice the relatively simple line work with sparing application of colour. It clearly prioritizes efficient reproduction. We're dealing with a commercially produced piece, most likely intended for popular consumption. The quick execution underscores its intent: it wasn't conceived to hang in a gallery. Curator: Certainly. It invites us to decode character archetypes as visual shorthand for established narratives, reflecting collective anxieties and aspirations. Do you see how even minor figures have expressive faces and postures? Their body language hints at deep truths. Editor: And the relatively low cost of printmaking opens accessibility. This particular work offers a material trace of that transmission and widespread embrace of storytelling. Think about how these stories shape cultural understanding, creating meaning through production as much as artistic interpretation. Curator: So, are these simplistic character sketches hiding universal ideas, or merely entertaining a 19th-century audience? I’d argue the former – folklore has survived for a reason! Editor: Perhaps a little of both, really. We're both looking into a mirror that reflects our own understanding and culture! But it's certainly nice to see such accessible and cheap engravings that had so much meaning back then. Curator: Agreed, what better way to consider our values, or discover new ones.