Artwork
Reynard and the Rabbit

Reynard and the Rabbit is an ink print by the Baroque artist Allart van Everdingen. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Reynard and the Rabbit is an etching by Allaert van Everdingen, a Dutch Golden Age artist known for his prints. Created around 1650, it depicts a scene from the medieval tale Reynard the Fox.
Subject & Meaning
The etching shows a fox in elaborate attire bowing to a rabbit holding a flower, illustrating a comedic episode from the animal fable. The characters' human-like clothing and polite gestures evoke a sense of a miniature theatrical scene.
Technique & Style
The print combines etching and drypoint techniques, with the drypoint scratches on the plate producing a scratchy, textured effect that adds to the scene's lively atmosphere. The use of these techniques is characteristic of the Dutch printmaking tradition.
Context
Animal tales like Reynard the Fox were popular in the 17th century, and Van Everdingen's work reflects his engagement with narrative and naturalistic detail within this cultural context.
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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.



















