Roodkapje en Klein Duimpje 1848 - 1881

Editor: So, this delightful piece is called "Roodkapje en Klein Duimpje," dating somewhere between 1848 and 1881, made by Lutkie & Cranenburg. It looks like a colourful storyboard for those two fairy tales, Little Red Riding Hood and Tom Thumb. The way the scenes are laid out reminds me of a comic strip, though more antiquated. I'm curious, what's your take on it? What do you see here? Curator: Well, you're right, it’s utterly charming! This print, probably a woodcut, feels less like high art and more like something delightfully functional. Imagine it – pinned up in a child’s bedroom, prompting imaginative play and storytelling. It almost vibrates with a naivete and playful energy. Lutkie & Cranenburg weren't trying to create high art, more to sell something to kids...but this piece offers the sense of childlike wonder for sure. It’s a wonderful lens through which to observe how society taught children at the time. Each scene condenses complex narratives, leaving the viewer to fill in the gaps – which could inspire the child to learn reading from the illustrated stories! What do you think about that visual shorthand? Editor: That’s interesting! I hadn’t considered the educational aspect. I was more focused on how sweet the little scenes looked but thinking about that makes it even sweeter. Curator: It’s amazing how something that seems simple can be so layered with meaning. Makes you wonder what they might have cut out to streamline the tales, eh? Editor: Exactly. It makes you want to delve deeper into these fairytale-inspired images!