609 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), A row between the dogs and cats, 1778, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), A row between the dogs and cats, 1778, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): A quarrel between dogs and cats A fable-like scene depicting dogs and cats quarrelling indoors, 1778, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and good black tones. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LA QUERELLE DES CHIENS ET DES CHATS, ET CELLE DES CHATS ET DES SOURIS. Fable CXXI.". Date: 1778 Description: In a stately interior, two dogs and two cats are locked in a fierce struggle. In the foreground, the animals are biting and scratching at the floor; on the right, a dog with its legs spread wide is straddling a fallen animal. On the left, panelling, a window overlooking the garden and a vase frame the scene; on the right, a door, a fireplace and a heavy curtain open onto a second room. Delicate parallel hatching, dense cross-hatching and clear contours render the fur, fabrics and architecture. The composition combines a decorative interior with a morally charged animal scene. The caption explicitly refers to a fable and steers the interpretation towards a didactic message. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Dogs; Cats; Animal fight; Fable; Interior; Curtain; Door; Fireplace; Window; View of the garden; Vase; Architectural frame; Hatching; Engraving; Depiction of animals; moral scene; interior; Rococo ornament; floor tiles; book illustration; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,5 cm x 13,1 cm (7,7 x 5,2 in), Depiction: 12,9 cm x 8,3 cm (5,1 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 are slightly bumped. Slight browning along the edges. A few faint mould stains are visible. Slight discolouration in the bottom right-hand corner.