605 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Two goats on a footbridge, 1778, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Two goats on a footbridge, 1778, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): Two goats on a footbridge Two goats on a narrow footbridge in a mountainous landscape with a waterfall and a temple, 1778, 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: "LES DEUX CHÈVRES. Fable CCXVII.". Date: 1778 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, two long-haired goats stand on a narrow footbridge laid diagonally across a stream, their heads turned towards one another. On the left, a waterfall plunges down between rocks; dense woodland fills the central area. In the background, hills rise towards an antique-style temple and a small tower-like structure. Delicate, parallel lines and dense hatching render the terrain, the animals’ coats and the cloudy sky; chiaroscuro contrasts emphasise the foreground motif. The composition combines an animal scene with an idealised landscape. The animals’ posture, facing one another, suggests a narrative relationship without depicting a specific plot. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Goats; Footbridge; Stream; Waterfall; Rocks; Trees; Hilly landscape; Temple; Tower; Animal figure; Landscape; Bridge; Cloudy sky; Hatching; Fable illustration; French title; Engraving; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,7 cm x 13,5 cm (7,8 x 5,3 in), Depiction: 12,9 cm x 8,3 cm (5,1 x 3,3 in) Condition: Rather good condition. The paper is yellowed and stained due to age, with damage to the edges and minor losses, particularly along the right-hand and lower edges of the page; there are isolated creases and slight irregularities along the edges.