Reintje de Vos. / Plaat I c. 1843 - 1920

E. Ille's "Reintje de Vos. / Plaat I" is an undated print which brings to life the medieval folk tale of Reynard the Fox. These stories often served as a satirical commentary on human society, using animals to critique the powerful. Each panel reveals hierarchies of power, class, and morality. The animal characters can be interpreted as reflections of societal roles. The fox, through its cunning, can be seen as a subversive figure, challenging traditional values and exposing the hypocrisy of those in authority. The emotional impact of the artwork lies in its humorous depiction of the struggles between the weak and the strong. It questions whether the traditional representations of justice are adequate in a world where the powerful often escape accountability. The artwork invites us to consider the ways in which societal structures influence our perceptions of right and wrong. The fox may be a villain, but it is also a symbol of resistance, of survival in a world governed by inequality.