495 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), An Injured Bird in a Landscape, 1759, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), An Injured Bird in a Landscape, 1759, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): Wounded Bird in a Landscape. A fable illustration featuring a wounded bird set against a rocky landscape and buildings, 1759, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “L’OISEAU BLESSÉ D’UNE FLÈCHE. Fable XXVIII.” Date: 1759 Description: A tall, rectangular print depicts a bird lying on the ground in the rocky foreground with its wings outstretched; it has been struck by an arrow. A narrow path or stream leads downward toward small buildings with a tower set against a rocky mountain. On the right, densely clustered trees and shrubs frame the scene; on the left, the view opens out onto a bright landscape. The sky is rendered with delicate horizontal lines and loose streaks of cloud. Hatching gives a three-dimensional quality to the rocks, foliage, and terrain. The composition combines a narrative foreground with a tranquil background; the wounded animal serves as the morally charged focal point of an illustration for a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Bird; Arrow; Fable; Landscape; Rock; Trees; Bushes; Building; Tower; Mountain; Path; Clouds; Foreground; Book illustration; Etching; Copperplate style; Natural landscape; Depiction of an animal; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 12.7 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Image: 13.1 cm x 8.2 cm (5.2 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 mold stains are visible.