Who painted Reynard Mocks the Woeful Bear?

Reynard Mocks the Woeful Bear was painted by Allart van Everdingen in 1650.

Where can I see Reynard Mocks the Woeful Bear?

Reynard Mocks the Woeful Bear is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Reynard Mocks the Woeful Bear?

Reynard Mocks the Woeful Bear is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Reynard Mocks the Woeful Bear

Allart van Everdingen , 1650

Reynard Mocks the Woeful Bear 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 Mocks the Woeful Bear is an etching created by Dutch Golden Age artist Allart van Everdingen around 1650. This print exemplifies the narrative and satirical themes prevalent in Dutch graphic media during this period.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a distressed bear sitting in the foreground with its head in its paws, while a nonchalant fox walks away in the background. This contrast highlights the fox's mockery of the bear's sorrow, as suggested by the title. The scene may allude to the moral fable traditions, where Reynard the Fox is often portrayed as a cunning trickster.

Technique & Style

Van Everdingen employed detailed etching techniques to achieve intricate lines and textures, lending depth and dimensionality to the scene. The use of shading and contrast enhances the dramatic and tense mood, aligning with the characteristics of the Baroque style.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1650, this etching reflects Van Everdingen's active engagement with printmaking during the Dutch Golden Age. Specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

This work is situated within the broader context of 17th-century Dutch printmaking, where artists frequently explored narrative and satirical subjects. The piece also relates to European folklore traditions, particularly those featuring Reynard the Fox.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of *Reynard Mocks the Woeful Bear* are not provided, it contributes to the understanding of Van Everdingen's contribution to Dutch Golden Age printmaking and the enduring appeal of satirical narrative prints from this era.

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.