502 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), Hare and Frogs, 1759, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), Hare and Frogs, 1759, Etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Hare and the Frogs *Le Lièvre et les Grenouilles*, a fable scene featuring a hare on the bank and frogs fleeing, 1759, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with clear lines and nuanced shades of black. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". Inscribed in the printing plate at the bottom: "LE LIEVRE ET LES GRENOUILLES. / Fable XXXVI.". Date: 1759 Description: Within the frame of a rectangular panel, a landscape unfolds, featuring a dense grove of trees on the left, a body of water on the right, and a stone bridge in the middle ground. In the foreground, a hare recoils in fright from the bank, while several frogs take refuge in the water. Small figures are crossing the bridge; behind them, a few buildings stand on the hillside. The composition leads from the shaded foreground into a brighter distance. Delicate parallel hatching and varied cross-hatching render the treetops, ground, water, and sky. The contrast between the still hare and the fleeing frogs illustrates the narrative punchline. The caption at the bottom identifies the sheet as a scene from a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Hare; Frogs; Fable; Landscape; Bridge; Water; Trees; Riverbank; Figurative decoration; Buildings; Hill; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; Depiction of animals; Narrative scene; Natural setting; Text cartouche; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 13.0 cm (7.7 x 5.1 in), Image: 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 along the side of the page edge; a few are slightly torn. The corners of the sheets show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.