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Artwork

Reynard the Fox: The Benediction Given to Reynard

Allart van Everdingen , 1662

Reynard the Fox: The Benediction Given to Reynard, by Allart van Everdingen, 1662
Reynard the Fox: The Benediction Given to Reynard, by Allart van Everdingen, 1662

Reynard the Fox: The Benediction Given to Reynard 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: The Benediction Given to Reynard is a 1662 etching by Dutch Golden Age artist Allart van Everdingen, depicting a scene from the medieval Reynard cycle of European folklore.

Subject & Meaning

The etching shows Reynard, a fox, standing on hind legs in a human-like pose, leading a gathering of animals (rabbits, a goat, and a dog) in a serene forest setting, implying a moment of leadership or instruction.

Technique & Style

Executed in black-and-white, the work showcases van Everdingen's etching skills, characteristic of Dutch Golden Age printmaking. The composition's emphasis on posture and grouping suggests a narrative depth, though the specific stylistic influences (e.g., Baroque elements of drama and movement) are not overtly pronounced in the described visual elements.

History & Provenance

Created in 1662, the piece is a product of the Dutch Golden Age, a period of prolific artistic activity in the Netherlands. Specific provenance details (ownership history) are not provided.

Context

The work contextualizes within the popular European folklore of the Reynard cycle and the broader artistic movements of the Dutch Golden Age. A suggested comparison with Baroque art hints at a broader artistic landscape, though the piece's style is more subdued in its described elements.

Legacy

The legacy of *Reynard the Fox: The Benediction Given to Reynard* lies in its representation of a beloved folklore subject through the printmaking techniques of the Dutch Golden Age, contributing to the period's rich cultural and artistic heritage.

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.

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.