530 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Fox and the Grapes*, 1761, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Fox and the Grapes*, 1761, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Fox and the Grapes The Fox and the Grapes in front of a fountain in an idealized park setting, 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, inscribed in the printing plate: “LE RENARD ET LES RAISINS. Fable LIII.” Date: 1761 Description: A vertical sheet depicting a park scene within a frame. On the left stands an ornamental fountain featuring a putto, a swan, sphinx figures, and a water-spouting mascaron. On the right, a fox climbs up the trunk of a tree and stretches its head toward overhanging bunches of grapes. The foreground depicts stony ground and low-growing plants; in the background, a copse gives way to a distant landscape. The composition combines an architectural counterbalance on the left with the diagonally ascending animal figure on the right. Delicate lines, dense hatching, and regular horizontal lines render light, volume, and space. The relationship between the animal, the grapes, and the unattainable height alludes to a moralizing fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Fox; Grapes; Fable; Fountain; Putto; Swan; Sphinx; Garden architecture; Tree; Landscape; Depiction of an animal; Moral; Park scene; Etching; Copperplate engraving style; Inscription; 18th century; French title; Portrait orientation; Vegetation; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.2 cm x 12.7 cm (7.6 x 5 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. 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. There is a small ink stain in the lower left corner of the page.