603 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Fox, flies and hedgehogs, 1779, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Fox, flies and hedgehogs, 1779, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): Fox, flies and hedgehog Fable illustration featuring a fox, flies and a hedgehog set against a rocky, ruined landscape, 1779, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, well-balanced print. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LE RENARD, LES MOUCHES, ET LE HÉRISSON. Fable CCXXVI.". Date: 1779 Description: A rectangular-framed print depicting a rocky landscape with ruined architecture in the middle ground. In the foreground lie a dead fox and, beside it, a hedgehog on sandy ground; small dots on the animal’s body suggest flies. Scrub, trees and steep rock faces create a sense of depth, leading the eye towards a complex of buildings on the hilltop. The sky is cloudy and enlivened by delicate parallel hatching. The composition combines animal figures with a landscape scene, creating a strong sense of depth from bottom to top. Lines and closely spaced hatching render the bodies, rocks and vegetation with great detail. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Fable; Fox; Hedgehog; Flies; Depiction of animals; Landscape; Ruins; Rocks; Scrub; Trees; Architecture; Hill; Sky; Clouds; Book illustration; French text; Etching; Vignette; Natural setting; Allegory; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,6 cm x 13,1 cm (7,7 x 5,2 in), Depiction: 13,1 cm x 8,2 cm (5,2 x 3,2 in) Condition: Rather good condition. The paper is yellowed and slightly stained, with visible signs of age, discolouration at the edges and minor signs of wear; the corners and margins are slightly bumped. Overall, it is somewhat scuffed and soiled.