Reynard is hung from tree at Lion's Court c. 17th century

Curator: Allart van Everdingen's small graphic work, titled Reynard is hung from tree at Lion's Court, depicts a rather grim scene. What strikes you first about it? Editor: The sheer weight of symbolism, of course. The lion, the fox, the rooster...it's a menagerie of archetypes! I immediately sense the story being told here is much bigger than just animals in a forest. Curator: Indeed. Van Everdingen, working in the 17th century, likely drew from the Reynard cycle, a collection of medieval fables satirizing human society through animal characters. Notice how the fox, Reynard, is the focal point, seemingly judged by the lion court. Editor: Right, and each animal's posture, even their fur, seems to contribute. The lion's regal, yet angered stance, the fox's cunning, but ultimately doomed posture. Even the passive creatures represent injustice and power dynamics. Curator: I agree. Van Everdingen cleverly uses this imagery to critique the structures of power and justice during his time. The artist comments on morality, deception, and social hypocrisy. Editor: A grim morality play then, rendered in miniature. It makes you think about how these stories continue to echo in our contemporary society. Curator: Precisely. The narratives are retold through history. Editor: Indeed, visual allegories like this one never really lose their bite.