Verhaal van de blauwe vogel 1827 - 1894

This print, “Verhaal van de blauwe vogel,” was created by M. Hemeleers-van Houter. It presents a narrative teeming with symbols that echo through time. Notice the blue bird, a motif deeply rooted in folklore, often representing transformation and the soul's journey. It transcends its avian form to become a potent messenger, a symbol of hope or a harbinger of change, reminiscent of similar figures in ancient myths where animals bridge the earthly and divine realms. The tower, another key element, suggests imprisonment but also potential liberation. Its presence evokes the archetypal story of isolation awaiting rescue. The act of transformation, a constant theme, echoes through Ovid's "Metamorphoses" and similar tales. The blue bird transforms the prince, recalling similar transformations across cultures, from shamanic journeys to alchemical processes. This echoes the eternal cycle of change, death, and rebirth, tapping into our collective memory of nature's power. These symbols are not fixed; they are fluid and ever-evolving. They engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The emotional resonance stems from our shared cultural memory, constantly shifting in meaning throughout history.