Scène uit toneelstuk Klein Duimpje 1865 - 1868

Charles Rochussen created this lithograph called 'Scene from the play Little Thumb' sometime in the 19th century. Rochussen was active in a period of great social change, witnessing the dawn of industrialization, a shift in class structures, and an evolving concept of childhood. Here, we see a moment pulled straight from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, where the tiny protagonist and his brothers attempt to escape the clutches of a sleeping ogre. Consider the power dynamics at play. The ogre, a symbol of brute force and unchecked privilege, is outwitted by children, who represent vulnerability, but also, incredible resourcefulness. The oversized boots near the children signal the looming threat of the ogre's return, which would bring the narrative back to questions of class, survival and the manipulation of power. The artist uses stark contrast between light and shadow which creates a sense of tension and uncertainty. Rochussen invites us to reflect on the story's meaning for our own lives, considering the societal 'giants' we face, and how we, like Little Thumb, might find our own clever ways to push back.