Artwork

The Ram Blesses Reynard

The Ram Blesses Reynard, by Allart van Everdingen, ink, 1650
The Ram Blesses Reynard, by Allart van Everdingen, ink, 1650

The Ram Blesses 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 Ram Blesses Reynard is an etching created by Dutch Golden Age artist Everdingen around 1650, depicting a chaotic scene from folklore.

Subject & Meaning

The etching illustrates a trickster narrative featuring a fox (Reynard) and a ram. The fox stands on hind legs, manipulating the kneeling ram, reflecting a common folklore theme of cunning and deception.

Technique & Style

Everdingen employed etching techniques to achieve dense, expressive lines, with heavy pressure creating scratchy, dark textures. Layered lines add depth and texture to the crowded composition.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1650 by Everdingen, a prolific Dutch printmaker and painter. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

Part of the Dutch Golden Age's rich printmaking tradition, this work showcases Everdingen's skill in capturing dynamic, narrative scenes through etching.

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.