514 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), A Fox and a Billy Goat by the Well, 1760, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), A Fox and a Billy Goat by the Well, 1760, Etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): A Fox and a Billy Goat by the Well: A fable illustration featuring a fox and a billy goat in front of a farm, 1760, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with clear definition and well-balanced black levels. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LE RENARD ET LE BOUC. Fable XLVII.” Date: 1760 Description: Within a rectangular frame, the sheet depicts a rural farmstead with a gabled house, trees, and a well in the foreground. A fox strides along the edge of the well, turning its head downward toward a billy goat that has already fallen in. To the left stands a simple wooden drawwell with a bucket. The scene unfolds in a clear arrangement of foreground, middle ground, and background. Delicate parallel hatching renders the roofs, treetops, and ground. The light-colored sky contrasts with the darker areas of the house and the animals’ bodies. The composition links the well, the fox, and the billy goat to form a moralizing narrative structure typical of a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Fox; Goat; Well; Farm; House; Trees; Fable; Animals; landscape; Border; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; Farm scene; Hand-drawn well; Moral; France; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 12.7 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Illustration: 13.2 cm x 8.3 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 along the edge of the page. The corners of the sheets show minimal wear. Slight browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. Slight soiling along the edge of the page.