Bandontwerp voor: Johanna Spyri, Arthur en Squirrel, c. 1888-1893 c. 1888 - 1893

Willem Steelink crafted this book cover design for Johanna Spyri's 'Arthur and Squirrel' between 1888 and 1893. Pansies encircle the title, their faces—or pensees—staring out at us. These flowers, rich with symbolic weight, resonate through the centuries. The pansy, derived from the French 'pensée' for thought, appears frequently in art and literature as an emblem of remembrance and reflection. Ophelia scatters pansies in Hamlet, a poignant symbol of lost love and melancholy. The persistent appearance of the pansy hints at a deeper cultural memory. Why does this particular flower recur as a symbol across diverse contexts? Perhaps the pansy's human-like 'face' triggers an innate psychological response, reminding us of our own mortality and the fleeting nature of existence. We observe how the pansy, initially a gentle reminder of thoughtfulness, morphs through history, bearing the weight of sorrow and introspection, connecting us to the past.