Isengrim, the Wolf, after his Defeat by Reynard, the Fox - Hans Rudolf Rahn

A detailed steel engraving depicting the wounded wolf Isengrim from the Reynard the Fox fables, based on the designs of Wilhelm von Kaulbach.

This steel engraving by Hans Rudolf Rahn depicts a scene from the medieval beast epic, Reynard the Fox. The composition is based on the designs of Wilhelm von Kaulbach, a German painter known for his satirical and literary works. The narrative focuses on the aftermath of a duel between the wolf, Isengrim, and the cunning fox, Reynard. Isengrim lies wounded and bandaged on a low bench, surrounded by other anthropomorphic animals who appear to be attending to his injuries or observing the scene with various expressions of concern and curiosity.

Rahn employs a precise, academic style of engraving, utilising fine lines to define the textures of animal fur, the folds of fabric, and the architectural details of the interior setting. The scene is filled with character-driven detail, from the medical supplies scattered on the floor to the varied postures of the onlookers. The work reflects the nineteenth-century fascination with folklore and the moralising potential of animal fables. By humanising these creatures, the artist invites the viewer to consider themes of conflict, retribution, and social hierarchy through the lens of traditional storytelling.

The print demonstrates the technical skill required for mid-nineteenth-century book illustration, where steel plates allowed for the reproduction of fine detail in large editions. The composition balances the central, prone figure of the wolf with the surrounding group, creating a sense of theatrical staging. This piece is a fine example of the collaborative nature of nineteenth-century print production, where the draughtsman and the engraver worked in tandem to translate complex narrative scenes into a reproducible format for a wider audience.