498 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), Juno with Peacocks, 1759, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), Juno with Peacocks, 1759, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): Juno with Peacocks *Le Paon se plaignant à Junon* – Juno with Two Peacocks Amidst the Clouds, 1759, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines and well-balanced tones. Inscription: Signed in the lower left corner of the printing plate: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: "LE PAON SE PLAIGNANT À JUNON. Fable XXXIX.". Date: 1759 Description: A female deity sits upon dense clouds, accompanied by two peacocks. The figure wears a softly draped, antique-style robe; a scarf flutters behind her. Her head is slightly bowed, her gaze directed toward the left edge of the picture, and her right hand points outward. Behind her, a peacock’s tail spreads out like a fan, serving as an attribute. At the bottom, another peacock stands on a rock. The sky is rendered with delicate hatching, and the clouds with softly modeled lines. The composition is arranged diagonally from the bottom right to the top left, uniting the figure, the animal, and the cloud-filled space into an emblematic scene. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Juno; Peacock; Peacocks; Clouds; Goddess; Mythology; Fable; allegory; Celestial Realm; Robes; Attribute; Rococo; engraving; French text; Title cartouche; Depiction of an animal; Antiquized figure; Emblematics; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.4 cm x 13.0 cm (7.6 x 5.1 in), Illustration: 13.1 cm x 8.4 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 mold stains are visible.