507 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Limbs and the Stomach*, 1759, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Limbs and the Stomach*, 1759, Etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): *The Limbs and the Stomach* *Les Membres et l'Estomac*, Fable XLIV, featuring a reclining male nude against a backdrop of architectural ruins, 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 on the printing plate: "LES MEMBRES ET L’ESTOMAC. Fable XLIV.". Date: 1759 Description: A portrait-oriented sheet depicts an Arcadian scene featuring ruined architecture. On the right, a fluted column stump rises from a high plinth; in front of it stands a draped statue, only partially visible. In the foreground, a naked male figure lies stretched out on the ground, his arm hanging down, his face turned away, rendered in strong chiaroscuro. On the left, trees and a path open out into a distant landscape. Delicate parallel hatching gives structure to the sky, masonry, and terrain, while denser cross-hatching darkens the treetops and plinth. The composition combines figure, ruin, and nature into a moralizing pictorial formula with literary connotations. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Fable; Nude figure; male nude; ruins; column; statue; landscape; trees; plinth; drapery; book illustration; allegory; morality; figure in the foreground; architectural fragment; portrait orientation; engraving; hatching; French text; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.2 cm x 12.3 cm (7.6 x 4.8 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 are slightly bumped. Slightly browned along the edges. Slight foxing.