Artwork
Reynard the Fox: The Wolf and the Bear Celebrate Their Freedom
Reynard the Fox: The Wolf and the Bear Celebrate Their Freedom is a print by the Baroque artist Allart van Everdingen. It dates from 1662 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1982.179.40
About this work
Overview
Reynard the Fox: The Wolf and the Bear Celebrate Their Freedom is a 1662 etching by Dutch Golden Age artist Allart van Everdingen, depicting a celebratory scene from the medieval Reynard the Fox fables.
Subject & Meaning
The etching portrays anthropomorphic animals in a forest setting: a vigilant fox at the center, flanked by a wolf and bear in close conversation. The composition suggests a narrative or moral theme, hinted at by the title's reference to 'freedom'.
Technique & Style
Executed in black-and-white, the work showcases van Everdingen's etching skills, characteristic of Dutch Golden Age printmaking. The dynamic arrangement of animals against a detailed, naturalistic backdrop reflects the period's attention to detail and storytelling.
History & Provenance
Created in 1662, the etching is a product of the Dutch Golden Age, a flourishing period for arts in the Netherlands. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
The piece aligns with the broader Baroque movement's emphasis on dramatic and narrative-driven art, often featuring animals in allegorical or fable-inspired contexts.
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Artist & collection
Artist
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.
Reynard the Fox: First Complaint of the Wolf
Reynard the Fox: The Freeing of the Wolf and the Bear
All Rejoice for the Bear and the Wolf
Reynard the Fox
Reynard the Fox: Reynard Chides the Injured Bear
Reynard the Fox: The Complaint of the Bear
Reynard the Fox: A New Accusation by the Wolf
Reynard the Fox: Reynard and his Companions