526 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Old Lion*, 1761, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Old Lion*, 1761, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): *The Old Lion*—The old lion surrounded by attacking animals, an illustration of a fable, 1761, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and rich black tones. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". Inscribed in the printing plate at the bottom: "LE LION DEVENU VIEUX. Fable LVI.". Date: 1761 Description: Within a framed rocky landscape, four animals are grouped around an old lion. On the left stands a horse with its hindquarters turned away and its head looking back; in the center is a cow; on the right, a donkey and an attacking wolf or dog. The lion lies on the ground, its mouth wide open, its mane disheveled; its posture conveys weakness and distress. Trees and rocks frame the scene, while the bright sky forms the background. Dense hatching renders the fur, rock, and shadowed areas. The lines of sight converge on the lion as the center of a narratively heightened, fable-like scene. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Lion; Horse; Cow; Donkey; Wolf; Animals; Fable; Attack; Landscape; Rock; Tree; Group of animals; Hatching; Printed artwork; Illustration; Framing; Muzzle; Mane; Sky; Moral; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.4 cm x 11.7 cm (7.6 x 4.6 in), Image: 13.0 cm x 8.3 cm (5.1 x 3.3 in) Condition: Good condition. Overall, in good condition for its age and well preserved. The right margin of the sheet has been crudely trimmed and is torn. The corners of the sheet are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the margins. A few pale mold stains are visible.