Art is, in its way, a conversation through images. Art conveys different associations and meanings through symbolism that sometimes seems arbitrary.
One of the most tender symbolisms that we find in art is rabbit paintings. Rabbits symbolize fertility and resurrection, tenderness, good luck, or even an alert of temptation.
Have you ever thought about which cute rabbit painting you would take home? Please scroll down and find some outstanding rabbit paintings and curiosities about them.
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Field with Two Rabbits
Vincent van Gogh’s enticing “Field with Two Rabbits” is a representation of nature with two enthusiastic rabbits. Van Gogh’s relationship with nature is particular and tender. This painting was created in 1889, a year before his tragic death.
The curiosity about this painting is that it was created when Van Gogh was in the psychiatric hospital. His pictures of this period do not show any annoyment but alleviation and soreness.
Pay attention to the yellow pigment of the painting; it is his affinity to the endlessness and the sun. Sometimes the yellow is vivid; sometimes, it is more obscured. These adjustments have a close connection to the painter’s temper. Rabbits are in harmony with nature, and the contrast of the bright green symbolizes life.
Young Hare
“Young Hare” by Albrecht Dürer is a popular rabbit painting in the art of the western world. It was finished in 1502 and is now conserved in the Vienna art Gallery. The young hare is painted in a very realistic way, which was very challenging for Dürer, who had to improvise with colors and light to get the naturalistic chroma of the animal fur.
This rabbit painting is one of the most spoken animal artworks published in textbooks. This cute rabbit painting has inspired various modern artists, such as German artist Ottmar Hörl, to create their artworks. Replicas of this drawing are decorating the rooms of different historical halls in Germany.
Boy and Rabbit
Henry Raeburn is the author of this painting. The model for the “Boy and Rabbit” is Reaburn’s deaf step-grandson. The curiosity about this painting is that the painter had a message telling his audience that deaf people can reduce their anxiety when they take care of an animal or play with them.
The rabbit is not a beast but a cute and tender pet. It spreads peace and calmness, transmitted by the close relationship between the painter and the model. The boy in the image has a soothing and relieved face hiding a soft smile between his lips.
Madonna of the Rabbit
“The Madonna of the Rabbit” was painted by Renaissance artist Tiziano Vecelli, known as Titian. The rabbit of the painting is white and symbolizes purity, innocence, and virginity. The connection with Madonna emphasizes this immaculateness.
Titian has a close spiritual connection with this picture. His wife died giving birth to their third child. The author transmitted his grief mixed with faith and hope to this canvas. Have a look at the painting, and you will see the little white rabbit first. It is small, but it is the central point of the painting.
A Hare in the Forest
Hans Hoffmann painted this wonderful rabbit painting highlighting every single detail in it. Nice scene, isn’t it?
However, you will be startled to know that all the plants can not coexist scientifically, and this is a representation of the author’s imagination. The rabbit is relaxed eating a plant called Lady’s Mantle. This medicinal plant was widely used in the middle ages. It is also cherished because Virgin Mary wore it when she was going to Bethlehem. Rabbits and plants are symbols of virginity, pureness, and reproduction.
Hanz Hoffmann has been influenced by Albrecht Dürer. Dürer’s rabbits have been a motivation and example for Hoffman to recreate his hares.
White Rabbit, Standing
This cute rabbit painting called “White Rabbit, Standing” is a 20th-century artwork by Jane Mankes. It was finished in 1910 and is an oil painting on canvas. Jane Mankes managed to investigate and draw animal and bird paintings during his 30 years of life.
This painting is classified as a symbolic style picture. Manke liked working with the color white, and the rabbit is admired for spreading a sense of transparency and pureness. This white rabbit has sad eyes connected with the psychological state of the painter, who was suffering from tuberculosis. This animal is not copied; Mankes had an addiction to studying birds and animals. Once he knew them by heart, he brushed their sketches and converted them into artworks.
Flopsy Bunnies
The British Museum hosts this popular rabbit painting by Beatrix Potter. She started The Tale of Flopsy Bunnies, a logical continuation of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The illustrations of this tale count with personified images of bunnies released by Potter. This tale has 32 paintings. This line is considered an exceptional collection and has its own corner in the museum.
She used ink and brown paint for her paintings, with green and natural brown as the dominant colors of the artworks. Lettuce is the central plant of the images. Bunnies eat lettuce while others sleep around the plant. Adorable bunnies are in constant action, which shows the continuity of life and the importance of nature. “Floppy Bunnies” is an illustration of a happy family. Potter died at the age of 77. Her unconditional love for animals has enriched art history with a remarkable tale and grand paintings.
Final Thoughts
Animal symbolism is prevalent in art and literature. Sometimes these symbolisms can change depending on the time and culture. Do not be surprised that the same painting is interpreted differently by critics from different parts of the world. Times change, traditions change, and art is open to interpretation.
The cutest representation of rabbits in art is not related to any specific reason. Some artists were animal lovers and made a detailed investigation before painting these animals, and others represented pureness and tenderness through rabbit painting. These paintings caress the eyes. Thus, which of them are you taking home?
