529 - J. PUNT (1711-1779), The Swan and the Cook, 1761, Etching

J. PUNT (1711-1779), The Swan and the Cook, 1761, Etching Jan Punt (1711 - 1779 ): The Swan and the Cook An illustration of a fable featuring a cook and a swan in a kitchen, 1761, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with crisp detail and beautifully graded blacks. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LE CIGNE ET LE CUISINIER. Fable LIV.". Date: 1761 Description: In a kitchen, a young chef wearing a plain cap and an unbuttoned work shirt is sitting on a bench, cutting up a large swan with a knife. The bird lies across his knees, whilst another hangs upside down from a set of scales. To the right, a stove fire blazes beneath a chimney; pots, bowls and utensils bring the room to life. A barred window on the left and shelves create a sense of depth. The etching employs dense cross-hatching, delicate contours and nuanced chiaroscuro modelling. The viewer’s gaze is drawn to the artisanal activity; the swan serves as a narratively emphasised symbol within a fable illustration. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Kitchen; Cook; Swan; Poultry; Open fire; Fireplace; Knife; Scales; Window; Bench; Shelves; Cookware; Fable; Illustration; Interior; Craft; etching; Depiction of an animal; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,5 cm x 12,6 cm (7,7 x 5 in), Depiction: 13,0 cm x 8,4 cm (5,1 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. Slight browning along the edges. A few faint mould stains are visible. A mark, possibly from pressure or a scratch, on the bottom right-hand corner of the page.