513 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Lion Vanquished by Man*, 1760, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Lion Vanquished by Man*, 1760, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Lion Vanquished by Man: A fable scene featuring a lion, a boy wrapped in a cloth, and two frightened figures in the forest, 1760, 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 ABATTU PAR L’HOMME. Fable III.” Date: 1760 Description: A finely lined print depicts a forest scene with two elegantly dressed figures on the right, reacting with alarm to a lion in the foreground. Above them, a cloth or net is stretched between the trees, in which a naked boy lies on top of another lion. The figures are gesturing, with raised arms and a defensive posture; their gazes are directed toward the animal and the hammock. Dense hatching renders the trees, foliage, and ground, while lighter areas highlight the stretched cloth. The pictorial space is arranged in a flat yet clearly defined manner. The scene has a narrative quality and, through its inscription, alludes to a fable or moral allegory. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Lion; Fable; Forest scene; Boy; Hammock; Cloth; Two figures; Courtly attire; Gesture; Allegory; Book illustration; Inscription; Hatching; Trees; Nature; Printed art; Moral scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.4 cm x 12.5 cm (7.6 x 4.9 in), Illustration: 12.9 cm x 8.2 cm (5.1 x 3.2 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.