651 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The Mountain That Gives Birth, 1767, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The Mountain That Gives Birth, 1767, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): The Mountain that Gives Birth *La Montagne qui accouche*, a fable scene set in a rocky landscape with figures, 1767, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and well-balanced black tones. Inscription: lower left signed in the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "LA MONTAGNE QUI ACCOUCHE. Fable XCIII.". Date: 1767 Description: A rocky landscape featuring a narrow footbridge and a steep mountainside is set within a portrait-format picture area. In the foreground, rocks, scrub and a wooden footbridge are arranged in tiers. In the bottom right-hand corner, two female figures in long robes are seated; a standing man is approaching them with an outstretched gesture. On the hill behind them, two small figures are running apart in agitation. A small animal emerges from a crevice in the rock, presumably as the punchline of the scene. Delicate parallel lines, hatching and dense cross-hatching render the rocks, vegetation and sky. The contrast between the small figures and the imposing natural surroundings heightens the narrative contrast of the fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Fable; Mountain landscape; Rocks; Footbridge; Figurative decoration; Female figures; male figure; small animal; crevasse; vegetation; hill; narrative scene; book illustration; French inscription; etching; copperplate-style; landscape; portrait orientation; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19,5 cm x 12,9 cm (7,7 x 5,1 in), Depiction: 13,1 cm x 8,3 cm (5,2 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 show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mould stains are visible.