Reynard disguises as monk and distracts cock c. 17th century

Editor: This is Allart van Everdingen’s “Reynard disguises as monk and distracts cock,” an undated etching. There's such a darkly humorous quality to it. How do you interpret the social commentary within this scene? Curator: This image offers a powerful critique of power structures, doesn't it? The fox, a symbol of cunning, dressed as a monk, speaks volumes about institutional corruption. It's a subversion of religious authority, wouldn’t you say? The rooster, representing the common folk, is easily deceived. How does this resonate with contemporary society, where appearances often mask true intentions? Editor: It’s a surprisingly timeless observation about authority and deception. I never considered how relevant it remains. Curator: Exactly! Art provides a lens through which we can examine societal power dynamics across different eras.