501 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), A Cockerel and a Fox in a Landscape, 1759, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), A Cockerel and a Fox in a Landscape, 1759, Etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): A Rooster and a Fox in a Landscape; Le Coq et le Renard: a fable scene featuring a rooster in a tree and a fox by a waterfall, 1759, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and nuanced shades of gray. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". Inscribed in the printing plate at the bottom: "LE COQ ET LE RENARD. Fable XXXVII." Date: 1759 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, a wooded landscape is depicted, with a strongly curved tree trunk on the left, on a branch of which sits a cockerel with ruffled plumage. At the bottom right, a fox stands by the stream and looks up at the bird with its head raised. A small waterfall, rocks, scrub, and a simple house create a sense of depth; in the distance on the right, a bright landscape opens up. Delicate parallel hatching and cross-hatching render the tree bark, fur, feathers, and terrain. The composition combines diagonal lines of sight between the cockerel and the fox with a distinct chiaroscuro contrast. The arrangement alludes to a moralizing fable scene. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Rooster; Fox; Fable; Landscape; Tree; Waterfall; House; Stream; Animals; French text; Etching; Copperplate style; Hatching; Moral lesson; Forest scene; Book illustration; Title cartouche; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.9 cm (7.7 x 5.1 in), Image: 13.3 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 sheet show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint water stains are visible. The bottom right-hand corner of the sheet is slightly creased.