500 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), Two Bulls and a Frog, 1759, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), Two Bulls and a Frog, 1759, Etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): Two Bulls and a Frog: A fable-like scene depicting two bulls fighting and a frog on the bank, 1759, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with crisp lines and nuanced shades of black. Inscription: Signed in the lower left of the printing plate: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LES DEUX TAUREAUX ET UNE GRENOUILLE. Fable XVI.” Date: 1759 Description: Within the plate mark of a rectangular panel, a forest clearing unfolds, with two fighting bulls in the foreground. Both animals lower their heads, brace their forelegs, and lock horns in a tense, dynamic pose. A frog sits at the water’s edge of a narrow stream; in the background on the right, another bovine figure grazes. Tall trees frame the scene, while the background opens out into a light-filled landscape. Delicate, tightly drawn lines and hatching render the fur, ground, foliage, and sky. The contrast between the dark foreground and the light background enhances the sense of depth. Iconographically, the depiction alludes to a fable scene with a moralizing climax. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Bulls; Frog; Fable; Depiction of animals; Woodland clearing; Landscape; Water; Trees; Fight; Grazing livestock; Book illustration; Title cartouche; Etching; Copperplate style; Hatching; Foreground; Background; Moral lesson; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.4 cm x 12.8 cm (7.6 x 5 in), Image: 13.2 cm x 8.3 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 are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.