590 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Two dogs and a dead donkey, 1773, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Two dogs and a dead donkey, 1773, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): Two dogs and a dead donkey Two dogs on the riverbank against a cityscape, an illustration for the fable ‘Les deux chiens et l’âne mort’, 1773, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and nuanced shades of grey. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LES DEUX CHIENS ET L'ÂNE MORT. Fable CLXVII.". Date: 1773 Description: Two dogs stand in the foreground on a riverbank, leaning forward with their heads bowed towards an animal carcass floating in the water – presumably the dead donkey mentioned in the caption. Their bodies are tense, their movements directed diagonally towards the water. Behind them lies a river or harbour basin with small boats, a long bridge and a densely built-up town with towers and churches. A range of hills and migrating birds enliven the background. Delicate parallel lines and dense hatching render the sky, water, fur and terrain. The scene combines animal fable, landscape and narrative staffage within a clearly structured pictorial space. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Dogs; Donkey carcass; Fable; Riverbank; Cityscape; Harbour; Boats; Bridge; Church towers; Birds; landscape; Depiction of animals; Book illustration; French title; engraving; Scene on the riverbank; Narrative picture; Water; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,5 cm x 13,2 cm (7,7 x 5,2 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.