Artwork
Reynard the Fox: Reynard Steals a Capon
Reynard the Fox: Reynard Steals a Capon 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 Steals a Capon is a 1662 etching by Dutch Golden Age artist Allart van Everdingen, depicting a scene from folklore where the cunning fox Reynard steals food, characteristic of the era's narrative and moral themes.
Subject & Meaning
The etching illustrates Reynard's deceit, stealing a capon from under a distracted woman's care, highlighting the fox's cleverness as the central focus, reflecting the period's fascination with animal fables and trickster stories.
Technique & Style
Executed in etching, the work features sharp lines, contrasting dark and light areas, with notable illumination on the water and the woman's face, embodying the detailed and expressive qualities of Dutch Golden Age printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in 1662 by Allart van Everdingen, the etching is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, representing the artist's contribution to the Dutch Golden Age's printmaking tradition.
Context
This work aligns with the broader Dutch Golden Age artistic tendencies, emphasizing detailed narrative scenes and moral lessons, also touching upon the popularity of folklore and animal fables during this period.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of this piece are not detailed, it contributes to the enduring interest in Dutch Golden Age art, particularly in how it captures the era's appreciation for narrative depth and moral commentary through folklore.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
