639 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Deer by the water, 1769, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Deer by the water, 1769, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): A deer by the water A deer reflected in the water, in front of a waterfall and trees, 1769, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: Drawing clear lines with a beautiful, deep black tone. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LE CERF SE VOYANT DANS L'EAUE. Fable CXII.". Date: 1769 Description: A stag with sweeping antlers stands in the shallow water at the water’s edge, lowering its head towards its reflection. Behind him rises a densely vegetated cluster of trees and rocks; to the left, a waterfall plunges down. Reeds and stones create a layered foreground, whilst delicate horizontal lines enliven the water’s surface. The composition guides the eye from the waterfall, past the tree, to the animal in the right-hand foreground. Uniform hatching and closely drawn lines render the fur, foliage and terrain. The title strip alludes to a fable; the motif combines a depiction of nature with a moral lesson on vanity and self-knowledge. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Deer; Antlers; Water; Reflection; Fable; Landscape; Waterfall; Group of trees; Riverbank; Reeds; Rocks; Nature; Depiction of an animal; Title cartouche; Hatching; Engraving; 1769; France; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,7 cm x 12,6 cm (7,8 x 5 in), Depiction: 13,0 cm x 8,2 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 sheet are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mould stains are visible. There is some slight bumping along the upper right-hand margin of the sheet.