Reineke Fuchs1 1857

Wilhelm von Kaulbach created this illustration to accompany a new edition of *Reineke Fuchs*, or Reynard the Fox. The tale was popular in Germany, and Kaulbach's images helped cement the story in popular culture. In this picture, Reynard appears as a friar, preying on a group of chickens. The story of Reynard the Fox is an allegory that pokes fun at social hierarchy, especially the aristocracy and clergy. Reynard is a trickster who uses his wit and cunning to outsmart the more powerful but less intelligent characters. Kaulbach was the director of the Munich Academy, which played a central role in shaping the art and taste of 19th-century Germany. His work also reflects the rise of illustrated books and periodicals, and how images could reinforce social norms. To fully understand such an image, scholars might look into the history of satire, the role of animals in art, and the development of printing and publishing. The study of cultural history is essential to understanding the power and meaning of art.