The Wolf and the Well c. 1645 - 1656

"The Wolf and the Well" is a 17th century etching by Dutch artist Allart van Everdingen, created sometime between 1645 and 1656. The work depicts a wolf by a well, a popular subject matter in Dutch art of the period that symbolizes temptation and danger. Everdingen's masterful use of shading and detail in the etching creates a sense of depth and atmosphere. The wolf's expressive posture and the looming presence of the well create a sense of foreboding, inviting the viewer to consider the animal's motivations and the potential consequences of its actions.