657 - R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Jupiter’s elephant and monkey, 1781, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741-1816), Jupiter’s elephant and monkey, 1781, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam - 1816 ibid.): Jupiter’s Elephant and Monkey L’Elephant et le Singe de Jupiter, Fable CCXXXIV, 1781, 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: "L'ELEPHANT ET LE SINGE DE JUPITER. / Fable CCXXXIV.". Date: 1781 Description: Within a rectangular border, the sheet depicts a forest scene featuring an elephant and a monkey. On the right, the elephant stands facing the viewer, turned towards the left, with its trunk raised; on the left, a small monkey sits on a rock and points upwards with a gesture. Trees, clouds and ground scenery frame the encounter. The narrative is heightened by the contrast between the large animal figure and the small, active human figure. Delicate, regular lines, tight hatching and gradations of chiaroscuro give form to the bodies, foliage and rocks. The foreground is clearly defined, whilst the background is opened up by looser brushwork. The cartouche bearing the title establishes the sheet as an illustration of a moral fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621 -1695 ) Fables choisies, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Elephant; Monkey; Fable; Jupiter; Forest scene; Animals; Book illustration; Cartouche; Landscape; Clouds; Tree; Rock; Trunk; Gesture; Etching; Engraving; Allegory; Animal fable; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 20,6 cm x 13,0 cm (8,1 x 5,1 in), Depiction: 12,9 cm x 8,3 cm (5,1 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 are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mould stains are visible. The page edge is slightly dusty.