528 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), Wolves and Sheep, 1761, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), Wolves and Sheep, 1761, Etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): Wolves and Sheep: Wolves attacking sheep in front of a barn door, an illustration for the fable “Les Loups et les Brebis,” 1761, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines and well-graded blacks. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the bottom, inscribed in the printing plate: “LES LOUPS ET LES BREBIS. Fable I.V." Date: 1761 Description: In a stone courtyard or stable setting, several wolves are attacking a flock of sheep. One wolf leaps from the right onto an animal lying on the ground; other animals are huddled together in the dark doorway. The bodies are entwined in violent motion, their mouths open, their gestures aggressive. A round-arched window and roughly joined blocks of masonry frame the scene. The etching employs a dense network of cross-hatching, delicate contour lines, and a strong chiaroscuro effect between the black interior and the lighter foreground. The composition focuses the struggle in the lower part of the picture and lends the fable-like depiction a dramatic immediacy. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Wolves; Sheep; Animal fight; Fable; Barn door; Architecture; Arched window; Etching; Cross-hatching; Chiaroscuro; Attack; Herd; Predator; Rural scene; Frontispiece; French title; 18th century; Book illustration; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.3 cm x 12.6 cm (7.6 x 5 in), Image: 13.0 cm x 8.1 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.