Reynard conducts Lion and lioness in wilderness c. 17th century

Curator: This is Allart van Everdingen's "Reynard conducts Lion and Lioness in wilderness," a small etching held at the Harvard Art Museums. The contrasting lines immediately create a dramatic effect. What do you make of it? Editor: It speaks to the dynamics of power, doesn't it? Here we see Reynard, a figure of cunning and lower social standing, guiding the Lion, traditionally a symbol of royalty and dominance, through a wild landscape. Curator: Precisely. Van Everdingen's use of hatching and cross-hatching gives remarkable texture to the animals' fur and the rugged landscape. The composition, with the cave framing Reynard, draws the eye to the fox. Editor: Absolutely, and considering the historical context, this piece can be read as a commentary on social mobility and the potential for the marginalized to manipulate established hierarchies. Who truly holds the power here? Curator: It's a brilliant display of technique, drawing the eye to the semiotic interplay between form and content. Editor: Indeed, a potent reminder that appearances can be deceiving, especially when considering the narratives of the oppressed. Curator: A fine etching. Editor: A challenging work.