588 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The torrent and the river, 1773, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The torrent and the river, 1773, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): The Torrent and the River Le Torrent et la Riviere, a fable scene featuring a man who has fallen on the riverbank, 1773, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear detail and well-balanced black levels. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LE TORRENT ET LA RIVIERE. Fable CLXV.". Date: 1773 Description: Within a framed picture area, a man lies in the foreground, half submerged in the water, having fallen backwards, one arm raised. A hat is floating or lying beside him. On the right-hand bank, three smaller figures in knee-length robes are approaching; their gestures suggest astonishment or that they are calling out. The landscape rises on the left into rocks and tall trees; on the right, it opens out towards mountains, a waterfall and a tower-like structure in the distance. Delicate parallel and cross-hatching render the water, vegetation and rock. The composition combines narrative staffage with the spatial depth of a landscape and the moral-allegorical content of a fable illustration. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: River; Fall; Man; Water; Hat; three figures; Bank; Rocks; Trees; Waterfall; Mountains; Tower; landscape; Fable; Illustration; hatching; Foreground figure; Narrative scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 20,1 cm x 12,8 cm (7,9 x 5 in), Depiction: 13,1 cm x 8,4 cm (5,2 x 3,3 in) Condition: Rather good condition. Significant ageing of the paper and browning of the edges; scattered waterstains and brown spots; discolouration and tears, particularly in the top right-hand corner and along the right-hand edge of the page; slight wear to the corners and edges.