635 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Phoebus and Boreas, 1769, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Phoebus and Boreas, 1769, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): Phoebus and Boreas Phoebus and Boreas with the sun chariot and a falling male figure in a cloudscape, 1769, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and nuanced shades of grey. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "PHOEBUS ET BOREÉ. Fable CVI.". Date: 1769 Description: A male figure, only partially draped, steers a sun chariot drawn by several horses through turbulent clouds. A radiance of light behind his head accentuates the central figure. Beneath the horses’ bodies, another male nude plunges headfirst into the depths. In the lower part of the picture, a small landscape appears, featuring a path, a horseman and a distant copse, creating a strong sense of spatial depth. The composition has a diagonal flow and contrasts bright areas of light with densely hatched cloud masses. Delicate lines, cross-hatching and gradations of tonal values give a three-dimensional quality to the bodies, fur and clouds. The scene has a dramatic narrative quality and alludes to a mythological fall from the heavens. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Mythology; Phoebus; Boreas; Sun Chariot; Horse-drawn Chariot; Clouds; Ascent to Heaven; Fall; male nude; halo; landscape; horseman; etching; engraving; title cartouche; movement; hatching; allegory; antiquity; sky; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,7 cm x 12,8 cm (7,8 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.