Who painted Reynard's Relatives Plead for Him?

Reynard's Relatives Plead for Him was painted by Allart van Everdingen in 1650.

Where can I see Reynard's Relatives Plead for Him?

Reynard's Relatives Plead for Him is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Reynard's Relatives Plead for Him?

Reynard's Relatives Plead for Him is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Reynard's Relatives Plead for Him?

Museum-quality prints of Reynard's Relatives Plead for Him are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Reynard's Relatives Plead for Him

Allart van Everdingen , 1650

Reynard's Relatives Plead for Him 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

Created circa 1650, this etching by Allart van Everdingen presents a gathering of forest animals surrounding a recumbent fox.

Created circa 1650, this etching by Allart van Everdingen presents a gathering of forest animals surrounding a recumbent fox. The composition is set within a stark woodland, where bare trunks and a litter of rocks and grass form the backdrop. The fox occupies the central position, while a wolf, cat, leopard and lion lean in, their gazes directed toward the creature, suggesting a moment of supplication.

Subject & Meaning

The image draws on the medieval Reynard the Fox narrative, a series of fables in which the cunning fox often faces judicial scrutiny. Here the fox’s kin, represented by various predatory mammals, appear to intercede on his behalf, evoking themes of loyalty, advocacy, and the moral complexities embedded in the tale’s courtroom scenes.

Technique & Style

Executed with the etching process, Everdingen employed delicate, incised lines to render the texture of fur, bark and foliage. The fine cross‑hatching creates tonal variation, especially in the animal pelage and the surrounding leaves, while the stark contrast between dark outlines and lighter areas enhances the sense of depth within the wooded setting.

History & Provenance

Allart van Everdingen, known primarily for his landscape paintings, also produced a modest body of prints during the mid‑17th century, aligning with the broader Dutch Golden Age printmaking tradition. This particular work, dated around 1650, reflects his engagement with literary subjects and has been documented in several European collections of Dutch prints.

Reynard the Fox: The Relatives of Reynard Leave Court, Allart van Everdingen

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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.