Jonge Tijl Uilenspiegel vindt een gewonde hond in het bos 1869

Louis Artan created this etching, "Jonge Tijl Uilenspiegel vindt een gewonde hond in het bos," in Belgium, during the 19th century. The image depicts a scene where a young Till Eulenspiegel, a trickster figure from folklore, finds an injured dog in a desolate forest. This print reflects a broader cultural interest in folklore and national identity that swept across Europe at the time, particularly among artists. Consider the rise of nationalism in Europe during the 19th century. Belgium, having only recently gained independence, was actively constructing its national identity. Artists like Artan turned to folklore to create a shared cultural heritage. This print, therefore, isn't just a depiction of a folk tale. It's an assertion of Belgian cultural identity, linking the nation's values of compassion and resilience to a beloved folk hero. By studying sources about folklore, the history of nationalism, and the development of Belgian identity, we can better understand the social forces at play in this deceptively simple image.