526 - J. PUNT (1711-1779), The Old Lion, 1761, Etching

J. PUNT (1711-1779), The Old Lion, 1761, Etching Jan Punt (1711 - 1779 ): The old lion The old lion surrounded by attacking animals, a fable illustration, 1761, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and good black tones. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LE LION DEVENU VIEUX. Fable LVI.". Date: 1761 Description: Within a framed rocky landscape, four animals are grouped around an old lion. On the left stands a horse with its hindquarters turned away and its head looking back; in the centre is a cow; on the right, a donkey and an attacking wolf or dog. The lion lies on the ground, its mouth wide open, its mane in disarray; its posture signals weakness and distress. Trees and rocks frame the scene, whilst the bright sky forms the background. Dense hatching renders the fur, rock and shadowed areas. The lines of sight converge on the lion as the centre of a narratively heightened fable-like scene. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Lion; Horse; Cow; Donkey; Wolf; Animals; Fable; Attack; Landscape; Rock; Tree; Group of animals; Hatching; Printed artwork; Illustration; Framing; Muzzle; Mane; Sky; Moral; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,4 cm x 11,7 cm (7,6 x 4,6 in), Depiction: 13,0 cm x 8,3 cm (5,1 x 3,3 in) Condition: Good condition. Overall, in good condition for its age and well preserved. The right-hand margin of the sheet has been crudely trimmed and is torn. The corners of the sheet are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the margins. A few pale mould stains are visible.