Reynard Seated Atop the Ass c. 1645 - 1656

Allart van Everdingen created the etching, "Reynard Seated Atop the Ass," during the Dutch Golden Age, a period defined by mercantile expansion and evolving social hierarchies. Van Everdingen’s print is part of a series illustrating the medieval allegorical tale of Reynard the Fox, a character whose cunning allows him to navigate and mock the rigid structures of the feudal world. Here, Reynard is enthroned upon a weary ass, surrounded by a bear and wolves, visually enacting a parody of power and authority. This inversion is heightened by the animals' expressions and postures, as Everdingen uses anthropomorphism to critique human society. The artist employs the narrative and its characters to expose the hypocrisy and folly of those in positions of power, mirroring contemporary social anxieties. The detailed etching technique, a hallmark of Dutch printmaking, adds a tactile dimension to the scene, inviting viewers to consider how stories shape our understanding of power dynamics. The personal connection with the characters, combined with the broader cultural context, creates a layered experience that is both playful and profound.