591 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Democritus and the Abderites, 1773, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Democritus and the Abderites, 1773, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): Democritus and the Abderites Démocrite et les Abdéritains, a scholarly scene on the riverbank in front of the town and the bridge, 1773, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and well-balanced black tones. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "DEMOCRITE ET LES ABDÉRITAINS. Fable CLXVIII.". Date: 1773 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, a bearded man in antique-style robes is reclining under a large tree on the riverbank. Several open and closed books lie before him; with his finger raised, he appears to be lecturing or deep in thought. A second figure stands behind him, leaning forward attentively. In the middle ground, a stone bridge spans the water; behind it rises a fortified town or castle complex with a tower. Delicate parallel hatching renders the sky, robes and ground; a dense network of lines darkens the tree canopy and the foreground. The composition combines a scholarly scene, landscape and architectural background to form a narrative illustration of a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Scholar; Books; Tree; Riverbank; Bridge; Cityscape; Tower; Landscape; Fable; Dialogue; Bearded man; Standing figure; Robes; River; Architecture; Engraving; Book illustration; Teaching scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,6 cm x 12,9 cm (7,7 x 5,1 in), Depiction: 13,1 cm x 8,4 cm (5,2 x 3,3 in) Condition: Rather good condition. The sheet is generally browned and slightly mottled, with discolouration around the margins, a few small spots of mould or dirt, traces of binding or stitching on the left-hand margin, and slight signs of wear.