Artwork
Reynard the Fox: The Wolf and the Bear Celebrate Their Freedom
Reynard the Fox: The Wolf and the Bear Celebrate Their Freedom 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 Wolf and the Bear Celebrate Their Freedom is a 1662 etching by Dutch Golden Age artist Allart van Everdingen, depicting a celebratory scene from the medieval Reynard the Fox fables.
Subject & Meaning
The etching portrays anthropomorphic animals in a forest setting: a vigilant fox at the center, flanked by a wolf and bear in close conversation. The composition suggests a narrative or moral theme, hinted at by the title's reference to 'freedom'.
Technique & Style
Executed in black-and-white, the work showcases van Everdingen's etching skills, characteristic of Dutch Golden Age printmaking. The dynamic arrangement of animals against a detailed, naturalistic backdrop reflects the period's attention to detail and storytelling.
History & Provenance
Created in 1662, the etching is a product of the Dutch Golden Age, a flourishing period for arts in the Netherlands. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
The piece aligns with the broader Baroque movement's emphasis on dramatic and narrative-driven art, often featuring animals in allegorical or fable-inspired contexts.
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.
Reynard the Fox: First Complaint of the Wolf
Reynard the Fox: The Freeing of the Wolf and the Bear
All Rejoice for the Bear and the Wolf
Reynard the Fox
Reynard the Fox: Reynard Chides the Injured Bear
Reynard the Fox: The Complaint of the Bear
Reynard the Fox: A New Accusation by the Wolf
Reynard the Fox: Reynard and his Companions