502 - J. PUNT (1711-1779), Hare and Frogs, 1759, Etching

J. PUNT (1711-1779), Hare and Frogs, 1759, Etching Jan Punt (1711 - 1779 ): The Hare and the Frogs *Le Lièvre et les Grenouilles*, a fable scene featuring a hare on the bank and frogs fleeing, 1759, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with clear lines and nuanced shades of black. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LE LIEVRE ET LES GRENOUILLES. / Fable XXXVI.". Date: 1759 Description: Within the frame of a rectangular panel, a landscape unfolds, featuring a dense grove of trees on the left, a body of water on the right and a stone bridge in the middle ground. In the foreground, a hare recoils in fright from the bank, whilst several frogs take refuge in the water. Small figures are crossing the bridge; behind them, a few buildings stand on the hillside. The composition leads from the shaded foreground into a brighter distance. Delicate parallel hatching and varied cross-hatching render the tree tops, ground, water and sky. The contrast between the still hare and the fleeing frogs illustrates a narrative punchline. The caption at the bottom identifies the sheet as a fable scene. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Hare; Frogs; Fable; Landscape; Bridge; Water; Trees; Riverbank; Figurative decoration; Buildings; Hill; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; Depiction of animals; Narrative scene; Natural setting; Text cartouche; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,5 cm x 13,0 cm (7,7 x 5,1 in), Depiction: 13,1 cm x 8,4 cm (5,2 x 3,3 in) Condition: Good condition. Overall, in good condition for its age and well preserved. Puncture marks from an old binding are visible along the side of the page edge; a few are slightly torn. The corners of the sheets show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mould stains are visible.