Hier kinderen leest ge in 't lang en breed, / Al wat Thyl Ulenspiegel deed, / En, wilt gy 't zingen? zin 't dan na: / De aloude wys van Pierlala 1831 - 1854

This is a print depicting the tales of Thyl Ulenspiegel, made by Erve H. Rynders. The stories of Thyl Ulenspiegel come from 14th-century folklore. They gained renewed popularity in the 19th century, amidst a growing sense of national identity in the Netherlands. Here we see scenes from his life presented in comic strip form, accompanied by rhyming text. Ulenspiegel is often portrayed as a wandering trickster, challenging social norms and authority through pranks and satire. The choice to revive and disseminate these stories reflects the time's yearning for cultural heroes and narratives that resonated with the common person. Ulenspiegel embodies a spirit of rebellion and resistance against oppression. His tales served as a form of social commentary, offering a lens through which to examine questions of justice, power, and identity. This print encapsulates a collective desire to reclaim and celebrate a shared cultural past. It speaks to the enduring power of stories to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.