Savery, Roelant – De dichter op het feest der dieren gekroond door twee apen, 1623 Rijksmuseum: part 1

The composition presents a densely populated scene set within a lush, overgrown woodland environment. A central figure, presumably a poet or storyteller, stands amidst a gathering of diverse animal species. He is positioned slightly off-center, facing the viewer with a contemplative expression. Two monkeys are depicted above him, actively placing a crown upon his head – an act that immediately suggests recognition and honor.
The artist has rendered a remarkable variety of creatures: horses, lions, deer, leopards, hares, boars, birds of various kinds, and numerous smaller mammals populate the foreground and middle ground. The animals are not arranged in a hierarchical or orderly fashion; instead, they appear to be engaged in their own activities – some graze peacefully, others observe with curiosity, while still others seem almost playful. This lack of imposed structure contributes to an atmosphere of whimsical abundance.
The foliage is rendered with considerable detail, creating a sense of depth and enclosure. Light filters through the trees, illuminating certain areas while leaving others shrouded in shadow. The overall color palette leans towards earthy tones – greens, browns, and ochres – which reinforces the naturalistic setting.
Beyond the surface depiction of an animal gathering honoring a poet, several subtexts emerge. The presence of monkeys, often associated with mimicry and folly, introduces a layer of ambiguity to the scene’s celebratory nature. Their act of crowning could be interpreted not only as genuine recognition but also as a satirical commentary on human vanity or artistic pretension.
The inclusion of predatory animals alongside herbivores suggests a complex interplay between power and vulnerability within the natural world. The poets position, surrounded by these creatures, implies a potential for both admiration and danger. He is elevated, yet exposed.
Furthermore, the abundance of animal life can be read as an allegory for the richness of imagination and creativity – the very qualities that might inspire poetry itself. The scene evokes a sense of a lost paradise or a primordial world where humans and animals coexist in a state of relative harmony, albeit one tinged with underlying tension and potential disruption. Ultimately, the painting invites reflection on the relationship between humanity, nature, and artistic expression.