521 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), The Man and the Wooden Idol, 1761, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), The Man and the Wooden Idol, 1761, Etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The man with a staff standing before a wooden idol, Fable LXVIII, 1761, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear detail and well-balanced black levels. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “L’HOMME ET L’IDOLE DE BOIS. Fable LXVIII.” Date: 1761 Description: A male figure in knee-length, antique-style robes raises a long staff on the left toward a wooden female idol standing on a plinth. The statue is leaning forward; her neck and upper body already appear to have been struck. The scene is set in an architecturally framed courtyard with a curved wall, a plinth, steps, and foliage in the background. Delicate, dense hatching lends texture to the masonry, the floor, and the robes; light falls from the left, casting high-contrast shadows on the figure and the plinth. The lines of sight intersect between the staff, the idol, and the plinth area. The depiction builds to a narrative climax and, through the inscription, explicitly refers to a fable-like scene concerning idolatry and the breaking of spells. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Man; Statue; Idol; Fable; Court architecture; Pedestal; Staff; Attack; Allegory; Inscription; French text; Etching; Copperplate style; Hatching; Classical architecture; Garden wall; Trees; Moral scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.3 cm (7.7 x 4.8 in), Image: 13.0 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.