655 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The Matron of Ephesus, Plate 2, 1780, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), The Matron of Ephesus, Plate 2, 1780, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): The Matron of Ephesus, Plate 2. La Matrone d’Ephese, Fable CCXLIII, Plate 2, 1780, 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 MATRONE D'EPHESE. Fable CCXLIII. 2e Planche.". Date: 1780 Description: In a dilapidated interior with a barrel vault, a veiled woman sits on a stone block at the front, embracing a kneeling man. Behind them, a second woman holds aloft an oil lamp, the light from which illuminates the figures and the masonry. Through an arch on the left, a small secondary scene is visible, featuring a gallows and figures outdoors. A jug, a plate, a cloth and scattered objects lie on the floor. The composition converges on the triangular formation of the figures in the foreground; heavy hatching intensifies the darkness of the space, whilst lighter areas are directed towards faces, drapery and the glow of the lamp. The narrative structure suggests a moralising fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Interior of ruins; Woman; Veiled matron; Kneeling man; Companion; Oil lamp; Fable scene; Embrace; Vault; Stone architecture; Gallows; Secondary scene; Jug; Plate; Drapery; Hatching; Chiaroscuro; Title cartouche; Engraving; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 20,8 cm x 12,9 cm (8,2 x 5,1 in), Depiction: 12,9 cm x 8,2 cm (5,1 x 3,2 in) Condition: Good condition. The sheet is generally browned and wavy, with irregularly trimmed margins, some of which are dented and torn; minor surface imperfections and creases along the margins, with the occasional small spot and slight signs of ageing.