Reynard the Fox: The Cat is Trapped
1662
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1662
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This painting depicts a scene from the fable of Reynard the Fox, where a cat is trapped. The cat is shown with its legs stuck in a hollow log, while Reynard the Fox looks on with a sly expression. The fox is dressed in a hat and cloak, and holds a stick in his hand. The scene is set in a forest, with trees and foliage visible in the background. The colors used are muted, with shades of brown and green dominating the palette. The overall mood of the painting is one of cunning and trickery, as embodied by the clever fox. The painting is an example of Baroque art, characterized by its use of chiaroscuro and dramatic lighting. Look up the Baroque movement to learn more about this style of art.