508 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Will*, as explained by Aesop, 1759, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Will*, as explained by Aesop, 1759, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): *The Testament*, explained by Aesop *Testament expliqué par Esope*, Fable XII, scene featuring three ladies and a reader, 1759, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: Clear lines with a beautiful, deep black tone. Inscription: Signed in the lower left corner of the printing plate: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: "TESTAMENT EXPLIQUÉ PAR ESOPE. Fable XII.". Date: 1759 Description: In an architectural interior scene, three elegantly dressed women stand to the left in front of a pillar. A woman in the center, wearing a light-colored dress, turns toward a short man on the right, who is speaking to her with a sweeping gesture and an open sheet of paper or booklet in his hand. The women respond with attentive gazes and expressive hand movements. Tall columns, plinths, and a view to the outside give structure to the room. Delicate hatching renders fabrics, faces, and areas of shadow; dense crisscrossed lines darken the wall and floor. The composition focuses the lines of sight between the reader and the listeners and emphasizes the narrative moment of an explanatory message. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Interior; Architectural scene; three women; short man; reading aloud; will; fable; gesture; courtly attire; column; Rococo costume; book; sheet; conversation; genre scene; illustration; engraving; hatching; narrative moment; interior; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.7 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Image: 13.0 cm x 8.4 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.