Reinaert beschrijft een onware samenzwering tegen koning Nobel - Allaert van Everdingen

A detailed 17th-century etching by Allaert van Everdingen depicting a scene from the Reynard the Fox fable, featuring King Nobel and his animal court.

This etching by Allaert van Everdingen depicts a scene from the medieval beast epic, Reynard the Fox. The composition centres on King Nobel, the lion, surrounded by his court of animals. Van Everdingen, a Dutch artist known for his mastery of etching and his interest in Northern European folklore, captures the tension of the narrative as the fox, Reinaert, weaves a deceptive tale of conspiracy. The artist employs a dense network of cross-hatching and fine lines to define the textures of the animals' fur and the rugged, wooded environment.

The scene is set beneath the canopy of a large, gnarled tree, which provides a sense of enclosure for the gathered creatures. A monkey sits perched on a rock to the left, while a leopard, a wolf, and other animals are arranged in the foreground. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, drawing the viewer into the centre of the animal assembly. Van Everdingen's technique demonstrates his technical skill in printmaking, particularly in his ability to render varied surfaces and organic forms with precision.

This work belongs to a series of illustrations based on the Reynard the Fox cycle, a popular subject in seventeenth-century Dutch art. The narrative focus on animal characters acting with human-like traits allows for a satirical exploration of courtly politics and human folly. The print is a fine example of the period's interest in moralising tales and the technical refinement of the etching medium. The composition remains balanced despite the number of figures, with the central placement of the lion providing a clear anchor for the viewer's eye. The work reflects the artist's broader interest in the natural world and his ability to integrate narrative elements into a coherent, atmospheric setting.