595 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The advantage of science, 1773, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The advantage of science, 1773, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): The Advantage of Science L'Avantage de la Science, Fable CLXI, featuring two gentlemen in front of a garden design, 1773, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: Drawing clear lines with a beautiful, deep black tone. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "L'AVANTAGE DE LA SCIENCE. Fable CLXI.". Date: 1773 Description: Two men dressed in courtly attire meet in the foreground of an idealized garden setting. The man on the left strides forward with a cane or a sword, whilst the man on the right raises his hand in a gesture of instruction or objection. Their heads are turned towards one another, creating a sense of dialogue. Behind them, a colonnaded structure with arches, a balustrade and statues opens up; to the left, a tree, a slope and a wall with a round tower frame the scene. Delicate, regular hatching gives form to the robes, architecture and landscape. The space is clearly layered, extending from the shaded foreground through the central zone of the portico to a bright, cloudy distance. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: two men; courtly attire; walking stick; conversation; gestures; landscaped garden; portico; columns; balustrade; statue; tree; hilly landscape; tower; park scene; fable illustration; engraving; hatching; architectural backdrop; 18th century; book illustration; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,6 cm x 13,3 cm (7,7 x 5,2 in), Depiction: 13,2 cm x 8,5 cm (5,2 x 3,3 in) Condition: Rather good condition. The paper is yellowed and slightly stained, with discolouration at the margins, a few small holes and creases, particularly along the left-hand margin; the corners and edges are partly bumped.