Reynard leaps in air and greets badger at riverbank c. 17th century

Curator: There's a playful, almost mischievous energy to this little scene. The fox seems to be mid-leap, about to pounce! Editor: Indeed. This is a design by Allart van Everdingen entitled "Reynard leaps in air and greets badger at riverbank." It's quite small, just a few inches in either direction. Van Everdingen was a 17th-century Dutch Golden Age painter and printmaker. Curator: I love how the landscape is so detailed despite the tiny scale. It's like looking into a miniature world. Editor: The choice of subject is also important. Reynard, of course, from the medieval fables, a figure of cunning and trickery. Van Everdingen’s decision to portray him gives us an insight into the socio-political role of animals. Curator: And yet, he looks so joyous! It makes you wonder what kind of trickery he is up to. Editor: Perhaps, the joy is the trick. Anyway, a really charming artwork. Curator: I agree; it ignites the imagination with its cleverness.