523 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), The Animals’ Tribute to Alexander, 1761, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), The Animals’ Tribute to Alexander, 1761, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Animals’ Tribute to Alexander, Tribute sent by the animals to Alexander, Fable LXXII, 1761, 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 of the printing plate is inscribed: “TRIBUT ENVOYÉ PAR LES ANIMAUX À ALEXANDRE. Fable LXXII.” Date: 1761 Description: Within a rectangular frame, an idealized landscape unfolds, featuring a river, mountains, and a group of trees. In the foreground stand a laden horse, a camel, and a lion; between them, a small naked boy stands with one arm raised. Chests and tributes lie on the ground. The animals form a loose procession, with their lines of sight and movement leading to the left. Delicate parallel hatching renders the sky, terrain, and bodies, while denser cross-hatching intensifies the shadows beneath the trees and on the animals’ bodies. A small building appears in the background. The depiction combines narrative staffage with emblematic animal iconography. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Animals; Horse; Camel; Lion; Boy; Landscape; Mountains; River; Group of trees; Beast of burden; Crates; Tribute; Fable; Title cartouche; Border; Etching; Engraving; Hatching; Allegory; Book illustration; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.4 cm x 13.0 cm (7.6 x 5.1 in), Image: 13.1 cm x 8.5 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 on the side of the page edge. The corners of the sheets show minimal wear. Slight browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. Slightly dusty along the top edge of the page—