Reintje de Vos. / Plaat III 1873

Art Historian: Welcome. The artwork before us is an engraving by E. Ille from 1873, entitled "Reintje de Vos. / Plaat III." Curator: It strikes me immediately as a study in contrasts, a fragmented narrative presented through miniature tableaus. The textures achieved via engraving are quite delicate despite the rather busy compositions within each frame. Art Historian: Indeed. This print captures scenes from the "Reintje de Vos" story cycle – a European tradition known in English as Reynard the Fox, popular since the Middle Ages. What we observe is not a singular snapshot, but rather sequential chapters from a moral fable, aren’t we? Curator: Precisely, and how Ille subdivides the scenes influences our perception. Each box operates as a contained universe. Observe the density of lines, particularly in the clothing and interior spaces. Ille guides our gaze. Notice the intricate detailing on the garments— almost dizzying. Art Historian: Those details are far from mere aesthetics. Think about the costuming of Reynard, always in attire of high class despite the actual cunning actions – doesn’t it evoke a persistent theme within these tales? The juxtaposition of civilized pretense versus natural, and at times, cruel instincts. And look at the animals themselves—aren’t these familiar figures in human garb? Curator: The anthropomorphism certainly invites analysis. Each animal's pose and grouping seem deliberately arranged – are these characters within these segmented scenarios frozen mid-motion? Is Ille trying to present each animal, and their role in this moral fable, from a simultaneous point of view? Art Historian: I think so, and what a profound thing for this artist to offer these stories for our contemplation and recollection as our past – and not just something locked into the past either. "Reintje de Vos" wasn’t popular by accident; these are all tales still useful. Curator: A stimulating piece – I find myself lingering over Ille’s structural organization; a real testament to effective engraving! Art Historian: A worthy memory to reflect on and take with us indeed.