524 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Camel and the Floating Sticks*, 1761, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Camel and the Floating Sticks*, 1761, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Camel and the Floating Sticks An illustration for a fable featuring three men on the coast, titled *Le Chameau et les Bâtons flottans*, 1761, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and nuanced tonal values. Inscription: Signed in the lower left corner of the printing plate: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: "LE CHAMEAU ET LES BÂTONS FLOTTANS. Fable LXX.". Date: 1761 Description: Within a framed picture area, three men stand on a damaged stretch of shore or pier by the sea. On the left, a younger man leans forward, holding a pole; in the center, an older man wearing a wide-brimmed hat points with his outstretched arm toward three birds flying in the sky; on the right, a third man is leaning over wooden planks and flotsam in the water. Their clothing is simple and contemporary; their postures convey attentiveness and a sense of labor. The horizon, the surf, and the cloudy sky open up the space. Delicate hatching gives form to the figures, water, and clouds; light areas contrast with densely etched shadowed areas. The scene has an instructive, illustrative character. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: three men; coast; sea; shore defenses; piles; driftwood; pole; gesture; birds; cloudy sky; surf; horizon; work scene; fable illustration; book illustration; French title; engraving; 1761; 18th century; Classicism; genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.3 cm x 12.6 cm (7.6 x 5 in), Image: 13.2 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. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.