630 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The Villager and the Snake, 1769, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The Villager and the Snake, 1769, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): The Villager and the Snake An interior scene from the fable ‘Le Villageois et le Serpent’, set in front of the fireplace, 1769, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines and well-graded hatching. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LE VILLAGEOIS ET LE SERPENT Fable CXVI.". Date: 1769 Description: An interior scene depicts a frightened farmer standing in front of an open fireplace, reacting to a snake with a shovel raised. On the right, a woman sits on the floor protecting a child; her gesture is one of defence against the unfolding scene. A cooking pot, a plate and a cloth lie in the foreground; bundles of wood and vessels enliven the room. A small leaded-glass window and the strong diagonal lines of the fireplace give structure to the room. Light streams in from the front left, highlighting the figures and the fire area and heightening the dramatic action. Delicate parallel and intersecting hatching lines model volume, shadows and wall surfaces; the figures and the background remain clearly distinct. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Interior; Fireplace; Farmer; Woman; Child; Snake; Fable; Domestic scene; Shovel; Hearth; Stove; Stained-glass window; Bundle of wood; Fear; Defensive gesture; Engraving; Book illustration; Genre; Animal; Narrative; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,4 cm x 12,7 cm (7,6 x 5 in), Depiction: 12,9 cm x 8,1 cm (5,1 x 3,2 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.