Who painted Reynard Asks Permission to Speak?

Reynard Asks Permission to Speak was painted by Allart van Everdingen in 1650.

Where can I see Reynard Asks Permission to Speak?

Reynard Asks Permission to Speak is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Reynard Asks Permission to Speak?

Reynard Asks Permission to Speak is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Reynard Asks Permission to Speak?

Museum-quality prints of Reynard Asks Permission to Speak are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Reynard Asks Permission to Speak

Allart van Everdingen , 1650

Reynard Asks Permission to Speak 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

Created circa 1650 by the Dutch artist Allart van Everdingen, this print is an etching that draws on the medieval Reynard cycle, a well‑known body of European folklore. The work presents a lively gathering of animals on a rocky landscape, centered on a rooster, with a dog, horse, cat, rabbit and other figures observing the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates a moment from the Reynard tales in which the fox’s courtly entourage seeks permission to address the assembly. By placing the rooster at the focal point, van Everdingen emphasizes the ritual of speaking order, a theme that reflects the stories’ satirical commentary on hierarchy and justice.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine‑cut etching, the image is characterized by scratchy, intricate lines that render texture on the rocky ground and foliage. Van Everdingen employs delicate hatching to suggest shadow and movement, giving each animal a distinct presence while maintaining a cohesive, animated atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Allart van Everdingen, primarily known for his landscape paintings and mezzotints, produced this print during the height of the Dutch Golden Age. The work has been documented in several 17th‑century print collections and remains a representative example of his printmaking output, illustrating his engagement with narrative subjects beyond his more typical scenes.

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Artist & collection

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.