503 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *Astrologer Falls into the Well*, 1759, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *Astrologer Falls into the Well*, 1759, Etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): Astrologer Falls into the Well: The astrologer falling into a well, with a tower in the background, 1759, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp, well-defined lines and a well-balanced black tone. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “L’ASTROLOGUE QUI SE LAISSE TOM- / BER DANS UN PUITS. Fable XXXV.” Date: 1759 Description: A man wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a coat, and knee-length trousers is falling into a round shaft or well, still clutching a long staff. His contorted posture, his arm thrown back, and his downcast gaze emphasize the moment of his misstep. Behind him rises a multi-story building with a tower, situated on a bridge or platform; to the right stand trees and a small outbuilding. The etching employs delicate parallel hatching, dense cross-hatching in the shadows, and a light treatment of the sky. The figure and the background are clearly separated. The scene has a narrative and moralizing character, as the accompanying French caption suggests. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Man; Fountain; Fall; Astrologer; Fable; Architecture; Tower; Landscape; Trees; Staff; Hat; Moral scene; Illustration; Etching; Hatching; Garden; Movement; French text; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.4 cm x 12.6 cm (7.6 x 5 in), Image: 13.0 cm x 8.3 cm (5.1 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.