505 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Lion and the Donkey*, 1759, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Lion and the Donkey*, 1759, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Lion and the Donkey The Lion and the Donkey on the Hunt, a fable illustration depicting an animal scene in the forest, 1759, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the bottom, inscribed in the printing plate: “LE LION ET L’ÂNE CHASSANS. Fable XII.” Date: 1759 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, a scene of animals in the forest unfolds. In the foreground, a lion is seizing a wild boar or some other bristly prey, while on the left a donkey emerges from behind a tree with its mouth open. A second large animal stands on the right with its tail raised. The sturdy tree trunk divides the scene axially. Delicate parallel hatching renders the ground, foliage, and the animals’ bodies; denser cross-hatching darkens the shadowed areas. The viewer’s gaze is drawn to the struggle at the base of the tree trunk, and from there into the light-filled depths of the forest. The depiction has a narrative quality and, through the French caption, alludes to a fable with a moral lesson. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Lion; Donkey; Wild boar; Forest; Tree; Animal scene; Fable; Hunt; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; Fight; Animal allegory; French inscription; 18th century; Moral tale; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 12.9 cm (7.7 x 5.1 in), Image: 13.1 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 show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.