The Avenging Rabbits c. 19th century

Curator: My first thought is that this is a little dark, even unsettling. It looks like a fairy tale gone wrong. Editor: This is Alfred Henri Darjou's "The Avenging Rabbits" from the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. It presents a curious scene, doesn't it? Look closely at the interplay between predator and prey here. Curator: Absolutely! The limp fox surrounded by alert rabbits really flips the script on who's in charge. Is it humor, or is it social commentary? Editor: I think it's both. There's definitely a critique of power dynamics here, perhaps reflecting on class struggles through an unexpected lens. The rabbits' coordinated action speaks to the power of collective resistance. Curator: And the medium itself—printmaking—makes me think about reproducibility and how messages can be disseminated widely. It's like an early form of viral meme! Editor: I see that too, the way Darjou uses this accessible medium makes this radical reversal all the more provocative. He's not just depicting a scene; he's making a statement. Curator: It's a powerful reminder that even the smallest among us can band together to challenge the status quo. I love how it makes you question your assumptions. Editor: Indeed, it leaves one thinking about power, vulnerability, and the surprising ways narratives can be overturned. An artwork that lingers long after viewing.