Reynard puts his head on ground before Lion's Court c. 17th century

Editor: This is Allart van Everdingen's "Reynard puts his head on ground before Lion's Court," a small etching. The animals create a rather tense atmosphere, don't you think? How do you interpret this work? Curator: The key is Reynard, the fox, feigning submission. Notice how Everdingen renders the lion’s court. The animals, symbols of power and vulnerability, reflect the human condition. Is Reynard truly repentant, or is this a cunning performance? Editor: So, it's about deception and power dynamics visualized through animals? Curator: Precisely! The image echoes age-old fables, reminding us that appearances can be profoundly deceiving. It seems Everdingen captured a timeless commentary on society. Editor: It's fascinating how those old stories still resonate! Curator: Indeed. Everdingen uses imagery to connect us to that shared understanding.