510 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Drop and the Spider*, 1760, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Drop and the Spider*, 1760, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Drop and the Spider (La Goute et l'Araignée), Fable I: A scene at a sickbed in an interior, 1760, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp, well-defined lines and a well-balanced black tone. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “LA GOUTE ET L’ARAIGNÉE. Fable I.” Date: 1760 Description: An interior scene in a hospital room featuring four figures is depicted using a delicate black-line print technique. A man lies half-sitting up in a four-poster bed, raising his hands in alarm. An elegantly dressed visitor sits in front of the bed, leaning toward the patient; two other figures stand to the left behind the bed curtain. To the right, a tall window opens up the room. The bed, curtains, feather trimmings, and wall décor emphasize a stately interior. Dense hatching renders fabrics, faces, and areas of shadow; the floor is rendered in strict perspective. The lines of sight converge on the interaction at the sickbed. The title alludes to a moralizing fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Hospital room; Four-poster bed; Hospital bed; Interior; Four figures; Visitors; Nursing; Fable illustration; Window; Curtain; Furniture; Gesture; Startled expression; Line engraving; Hatching; Title cartouche; 18th century; Moral scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.3 cm x 11.7 cm (7.6 x 4.6 in), Image: 13.1 cm x 8.2 cm (5.2 x 3.2 in) Condition: Good condition. Overall, in good condition for its age and well preserved. The corners of the sheets show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.