Artwork

Reynard the Fox: Reynard Describes a False Plot Against the Lion

Reynard the Fox:  Reynard Describes a False Plot Against the Lion, by Allart van Everdingen, 1662
Reynard the Fox:  Reynard Describes a False Plot Against the Lion, by Allart van Everdingen, 1662

Reynard the Fox: Reynard Describes a False Plot Against the Lion is a print by the Baroque artist Allart van Everdingen. It dates from 1662 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Reynard the Fox: Reynard Describes a False Plot Against the Lion is a 1662 print by Dutch Golden Age artist Allart van Everdingen, depicting a scene from the medieval Reynard folklore cycle.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates a moment from European folklore where Reynard, a cunning fox, addresses a gathering of animals, including a lion, in a forest setting. The fox's calm demeanor implies he might be recounting a falsehood.

Technique & Style

Executed in black-and-white, the print features sharp lines and expressive shading, contributing to a dramatic atmosphere. Its style aligns with Baroque tendencies, emphasizing movement and emotional intensity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1662 by Allart van Everdingen, a noted etcher and mezzotint artist of the Dutch Golden Age, a period characterized by prolific artistic output in the Netherlands.

Context

Part of the broader European tradition of illustrating the Reynard cycle, this work reflects the popularity of the tale across medieval and early modern Europe.

Legacy

As a representation of the Reynard story, it contributes to the enduring presence of the folklore character in Western art, though specific impact of this print on later works is not detailed in available information.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Allart van Everdingen

Artist

Allart van Everdingen

Allaert van Everdingen (Dutch pronunciation: ; bapt. 18 June 1621 – 8 November 1675 (buried)), was a Dutch Golden Age painter and printmaker in etching and mezzotint.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.