525 - J. PUNT (1711-1779), Birds in the forest, 1761, Etching

J. PUNT (1711-1779), Birds in the forest, 1761, Etching Jan Punt (1711 - 1779 ): Birds in the forest Forest landscape with birds and a title cartouche, dated 1761, 1761, 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: "PTILOMELIE ET PROCNÉ. Table LVIII.". Date: 1761 Description: A tall, rectangular print depicts a wooded landscape with dense foliage, a light background and a stream in the foreground. Several birds are perched on branches; one appears to be taking flight, whilst another sits centrally on a branch jutting out to the left. The composition layers sturdy tree trunks in the foreground, open terrain in the centre and a bright distance. Delicate hatching renders foliage, bark and sections of ground; horizontal lines enliven the sky. There is no figurative narrative; instead, the emphasis lies on the observation of nature and the juxtaposition of still and moving bird forms. A labelled plinth links the sheet typologically to a series of natural history illustrations. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Forest landscape; Birds; Tree study; Riverbank; Watercourse; Depiction of nature; Engraving; Hatching; Foliage; Depiction of animals; Title cartouche; Book illustration; Natural history; Portrait orientation; Landscape; Branches; Pair of birds; Frontispiece-like; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,3 cm x 12,9 cm (7,6 x 5,1 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. 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.