599 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The Wolf and the Hunter, 1773, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The Wolf and the Hunter, 1773, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): The Wolf and the Hunter The Wolf and the Hunter, a scene from a fable featuring a dead hunter and a slain wild boar, 1773, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and well-balanced tones. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LE LOUP ET LE CHASSEUR. Fable CXXIX". Date: 1773 Description: A dramatic forest scene unfolds within a rectangular picture area. On the left, a wolf leaps up a tree trunk; at the bottom, a second wolf sits with its head raised, next to a bow and arrows. On the right lie a felled wild boar and a hunter in contemporary clothing, stretched out on the ground. A bird flies across the sky on the right. The middle ground opens out onto a light-filled path with a group of trees, whilst the background remains flat and bright. Delicate parallel hatching gives texture to the sky, ground, fur and foliage. Diagonal lines of sight connect the wolf, the prey and the hunter, intensifying the narrative of the hunt, danger and the reversal of roles. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Wolf; Hunter; Wild boar; Forest; Tree; Bird; Bow; Arrows; Fable; Hunting; Landscape; Depiction of an animal; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; French title; Dramatic scene; Reclining figure; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,7 cm x 13,1 cm (7,8 x 5,2 in), Depiction: 13,2 cm x 8,3 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.