506 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Cat as a Woman*, 1759, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Cat as a Woman*, 1759, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Cat as a Woman An interior scene from the fable “La Chatte métamorphosée en femme,” 1759, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp, well-defined lines and rich black tones. Inscription: Signed in the lower left corner of the printing plate: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: “LA CHATTE MÉTAMORPHOSÉE EN FEMME. Fable XL.” Date: 1759 Description: An interior is staged as a theatrical scene. On the right, a woman sits on a four-poster bed, her upper body leaning back, one hand raised in fright. On the left, a second woman bends low toward the floor, reaching for a small cat that is fleeing near her foot. A table with a candlestick and a jug stands in front of a richly framed mirror. Vertical wall divisions, folds in the fabric, and dense hatching give structure to the room. Chiaroscuro contrasts give form to the figures, the bed, and the drapery. The lines of sight connect the cat, the servant reaching out, and the startled figure in bed. The French title band suggests a scene from a fable and a tale of transformation. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Interior; Woman in bed; Maid; Cat; Fable; Transformation; Mirror; Candlestick; Jug; Four-poster bed; Drapery; Rococo frame; Genre scene; Terror; Reaching gesture; Hatching; Title cartouche; French inscription; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.4 cm x 12.9 cm (7.6 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 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.