496 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), Dogs in Front of a Shed, 1759, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), Dogs in Front of a Shed, 1759, Etching Jan Punt (1711 – 1779 ): Dogs in front of a shed: Four dogs by a shed, depicted as a fable-like scene with a bridge in the background, 1759, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, well-balanced print. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the bottom, inscribed in the printing plate: “LA LICE ET SA COMPAGNE. Fable XXIX.” Date: 1759 Description: A printed sheet, framed by a wide margin, depicts four dogs in front of a building with an open shed. One stands alertly on the left with its head bowed; two others are huddled by the shed; a fourth lies on the ground to the right. In the background, a bridge with an arched opening, trees, and an open sky recede into the distance. The composition groups the animals in the right-hand foreground and contrasts them with the light-filled landscape. Delicate parallel hatching renders the fur, masonry, and ground; dense cross-hatching darkens the house and the interior. The scene possesses a narrative intensity and, through the caption, suggests a fable-like depiction. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Dogs; Kennels; Sheds; Buildings; Bridge; Trees; Farmyard scene; Fable; Depiction of animals; Landscape; Printed art; Hatching; Cross-hatching; Book illustration; Title cartouche; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.4 cm (7.7 x 4.9 in), Illustration: 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.