Reynard Peers Down the Well c. 17th century

Editor: So, this is "Reynard Peers Down the Well" by Allart van Everdingen. It's an etching, and it feels incredibly whimsical but also a little menacing. What story do you think it's telling? Curator: Ah, Reynard the Fox! A trickster. The well becomes a mirror reflecting our own cunning, doesn’t it? Look at the details—the meticulously etched lines creating depth, the knowing look of Reynard. He's a character, isn't he? Editor: He is! But is it just about the fox? Curator: The beauty of Everdingen is that it's never just one thing, is it? It's about nature, fable, and the theater of life, all swirling together. The well, the fox, the viewer – we are all peering into the unknown. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It’s like a visual puzzle. Curator: Exactly! A puzzle with a sly grin. It makes you wonder what other stories lie hidden beneath the surface.