524 - J. PUNT (1711-1779), The Camel and the Floating Sticks, 1761, Etching

J. PUNT (1711-1779), The Camel and the Floating Sticks, 1761, Etching Jan Punt (1711 - 1779 ): The Camel and the Floating Sticks An illustration for a fable featuring three men on the coast, titled *Le Chameau et les Bâtons flottans*, 1761, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and nuanced tonal values. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LE CHAMEAU ET LES BÂTONS FLOTTANS. Fable LXX.". Date: 1761 Description: Within a framed picture area, three men stand on a damaged stretch of shore or jetty by the sea. On the left, a younger man leans forwards, holding a pole; in the centre, an older man wearing a wide-brimmed hat points with outstretched arm towards three birds flying in the sky; on the right, a third man is leaning over wooden panels and flotsam in the water. Their clothing is simple and contemporary; their postures convey attentiveness and a sense of labour. The horizon, the surf and the cloudy sky open up the space. Delicate hatching gives form to the figures, water and clouds; light areas contrast with densely etched shadowed areas. The scene has an instructive, illustrative character. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: three men; coast; sea; shore defences; piles; driftwood; pole; gesture; Birds; Cloudy sky; Surf; Horizon; Work scene; Fable illustration; Book illustration; French title; Engraving; 1761; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,3 cm x 12,6 cm (7,6 x 5 in), Depiction: 13,2 cm x 8,5 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 on the side of the page edge. The corners of the sheets show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mould stains are visible.