Artwork

The Badger Goes to Warn Reynard

The Badger Goes to Warn Reynard, by Allart van Everdingen, ink, 1650
The Badger Goes to Warn Reynard, by Allart van Everdingen, ink, 1650

The Badger Goes to Warn Reynard 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

The Badger Goes to Warn Reynard is an etching created by Dutch Golden Age artist Allart van Everdingen around 1650. Characterized by sharp yet softly textured line work, the print showcases the artist's skill in the medium.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a badger standing on its hind legs, grasping a horn, with two foxes below, conveying a sense of urgency. The scene is likely rooted in folklore or fable, though the specific narrative context is not explicitly identified.

Technique & Style

Everdingen's use of etching techniques in this work achieves a balance of sharp lines and softer textures, lending the animals a tactile quality. The composition captures a dynamic, frozen moment.

History & Provenance

Produced circa 1650, this etching was likely intended for inclusion in books or private collections, a common practice for Everdingen's prints. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

This work can be contextualized within the broader output of Dutch Golden Age printmaking. For comparative insight, similar etchings by contemporaries like Rembrandt might offer stylistic parallels.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of *The Badger Goes to Warn Reynard* are not outlined, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Everdingen's etching skills and the enduring interest in 17th-century Dutch printmaking.

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.