510 - J. PUNT (1711-1779), The Drop and the Spider, 1760, Etching

J. PUNT (1711-1779), The Drop and the Spider, 1760, Etching Jan Punt (1711 - 1779 ): The Drop and the Spider La Goute et l'Araignée, Fable I: A scene at a sickbed in an interior, 1760, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp, well-defined lines and a well-balanced black tone. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LA GOUTE ET L’ARAIGNÉE. Fable I.". Date: 1760 Description: An interior scene in a hospital room featuring four figures is depicted using a delicate black-line print technique. A man lies half-sitting up in a four-poster bed, raising his hands in alarm. An elegantly dressed visitor sits in front of the bed, leaning towards the patient; two further figures stand to the left behind the bed curtain. To the right, a tall window opens up the room. The bed, curtains, feather trimmings and wall décor emphasise a stately interior. Dense hatching renders fabrics, faces and areas of shadow; the floor is rendered in strict perspective. The lines of sight converge on the interaction at the sickbed. The title alludes to a moralising fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Hospital room; Four-poster bed; Hospital bed; Interior; Four figures; Visitors; Nursing; Fable illustration; Window; Curtain; Furniture; Gesture; Startled expression; Line engraving; Hatching; Title cartouche; 18th century; Moral scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,3 cm x 11,7 cm (7,6 x 4,6 in), Depiction: 13,1 cm x 8,2 cm (5,2 x 3,2 in) Condition: Good condition. Overall, in good condition for its age and well preserved. The corners of the sheets show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mould stains are visible.