Sluitvignet met kikkers 1893 - 1894

This is a closing vignette with frogs, made by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof in the early 20th century. It presents two stylized frogs facing each other, flanking a decorative heart-shaped motif. In many cultures, the frog symbolizes fertility, transformation, and the subconscious—linking the earthly and the spiritual realms. Consider the ancient Egyptians, who associated the frog with resurrection and new life, or the Chinese, who saw it as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. These associations are not isolated; they resonate across cultures, reflecting a collective understanding of the frog's life cycle as a metaphor for human experience. The motif calls to mind the continuous cycle of death and rebirth—a primal and universal aspect of the human condition. By employing these amphibian figures, Dijsselhof evokes a powerful connection to the past. It is a potent reminder of our shared cultural memory, where these creatures leap through time, carrying their ancient symbolism into the modern era.