Artwork

Reynard and the Rabbit

Reynard and the Rabbit, by Allart van Everdingen, ink, 1650
Reynard and the Rabbit, by Allart van Everdingen, ink, 1650

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.

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: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.