Vignet voor uitgever L.J. Veen c. 1910

This is Bernard Willem Wierink’s design for publisher L.J. Veen, rendered with ink. Observe how the figure of the fox, centered within the emblem, dominates our attention. The fox, throughout history, has been a symbol of cunning, and intelligence, and in some contexts, of darkness and deception. Consider Aesop’s fables, where the fox embodies trickery, or the medieval bestiaries, where its duplicity is a cautionary tale. Yet, in other cultures, the fox is revered for its wisdom and adaptability, qualities celebrated in folklore across continents. The appearance of the fox here—bold, centered, and crowned—suggests a reclamation of the animal’s traits, perhaps even pride in the sly wisdom. This emblem reflects how ancient symbols continually resurface, their meanings transformed and adapted through the ages, echoing our collective psyche.