De vos verliest zijn haren wel, maar zijne streken niet

About this artwork

Deze prent maakt deel uit van een serie, zie: RP-P-1938-175 t/m 180 en RP-P-1938-253.

Art Historical Context

**De vos verliest zijn har wel, maar zijneken niet** (*The Fox Sheds Its Hair, But Its Tricks*), a witty 19th-century Dutch by Johannes Henderikusriën, dates to 1865–ca. 1866. 247 × 313 mm on paper this work draws from a timeless proverb warning of unchanging cunning, evoking the sly fox of European folklore. Created during the Netherlands' vibrant era of printmaking, when lithography and etching flourished for affordable, shareable art, it reflects the period's love for moralistic tales and animal allegories rooted in fables like those of Aesop. As part of a cohesive series—linked to Rijksmuseum holdings RP-P-1938-175 through 180 and RP-P-1938-253—this print likely contributed to a thematic collection exploring proverbs or satirical vignettes. Morriën, active in an age bridging Romanticism and Realism, employed precise print techniques to convey subtle narrative depth, making such works ideal for middle-class homes and taverns. These accessible images preserved Dutch cultural wit, blending humor with wisdom amid rapid industrialization. Today, it reminds us of printmaking's role in democratizing art, inviting reflection on enduring human (or vulpine!) traits. A delightful glimpse into 1860s visual storytelling! (198 words)