Reynard lies down in field as birds approach c. 17th century

Curator: Allart van Everdingen’s etching, "Reynard lies down in field as birds approach," presents a rather deceptive scene. Editor: It’s striking how much drama is packed into such a tiny image, maybe only a few inches! The fox looks completely at peace, but something feels off, unsettling. Curator: Indeed. Reynard, a trickster figure in folklore, feigns death to lure unsuspecting birds closer. Notice how the birds are drawn with a mix of curiosity and caution. Editor: Right, it’s a cruel deception, playing on vulnerability for personal gain. The landscape almost feels complicit with that church steeple in the background, a symbol of morality, watching silently. Curator: The landscape itself is full of codified meanings. The overturned wheelbarrow represents disruption, while the bare branch symbolizes death. It’s a memento mori. Editor: So, Everdingen is critiquing not just Reynard's trickery but perhaps wider societal hypocrisy and the dangers of unchecked power? Curator: Precisely. Through enduring symbols, the artist reminds us of the timeless dance between predator and prey. Editor: It's a dark fable, cleverly rendered. I’ll certainly think twice about appearances now.