504 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Dove and the Ant*, 1759, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Dove and the Ant*, 1759, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Dove and the Ant: An archer and a flying dove in a fable-like scene set against a tower and a landscape, 1759, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, well-balanced print. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the bottom, inscribed in the printing plate: “LA COLOMBE ET LA FOURMI. Fable XXXIV.” Date: 1759 Description: In the foreground, a standing man wearing a wide-brimmed hat, an open coat, knee-length trousers, and no shoes is drawing a bow, his gaze fixed upward on a flying bird. He is leaning backward, his arms raised high, creating a dynamic diagonal line. To the right, a tower, a house, and trees are arranged in tiers; to the left, the landscape opens up. The sky is vast and bright, with a few clouds rendered in delicate hatching. The print features clear contours, cross-hatching, and gradations of chiaroscuro. The caption refers to a fable and provides a narrative framework for the scene. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Man; Archer; Bird; Pigeon; Landscape; Tower; House; Trees; Fable; Caption; Printed art; Hatching; Sky; Architecture; Narrative scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.7 cm (7.7 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. Slightly browned along the edges. Slight foxing.