Lion addresses animals, cock and badgers in foreground c. 17th century

Editor: So, this is "Lion addresses animals, cock and badgers in foreground" by Allart van Everdingen. It is a small engraving. I’m struck by the somewhat satirical tone of this animal gathering, everyone looks concerned. What do you make of it? Curator: Indeed! It’s as if Van Everdingen staged a scene from Aesop’s fables, or perhaps La Fontaine. I imagine the lion, a king holding court, but there’s tension in the air. The cock and badgers in the foreground, almost like a Greek chorus, amplify the drama, don't they? Maybe the king is about to deliver some bad news. Editor: A fable playing out? I see it now. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It makes you wonder what’s about to happen, doesn’t it?