531 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), The Wolf at the Goat Pen, 1761, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), The Wolf at the Goat Pen, 1761, Etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Wolf at the Goat Pen: The Wolf at an open pen with a goat and a kid, from a fable booklet dated 1761, 1761, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with clear lines and good black tones. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “LE LOUP, LA CHEVRE ET LE CHEVREAU. / Fable LXXIV.” Date: 1761 Description: A wolf approaches from the right, head bowed and tail raised, toward the half-open door of a wooden stable. A goat and a young goat are visible in the dark interior. The building occupies the left half of the picture; on the right, a tree, a path, and a distant landscape come into view. Delicate parallel hatching and dense cross-hatching render the fur, the wooden panel, and the areas of shadow. The contrast between the dark barn and the light outdoor space heightens the tension. The viewer’s gaze is drawn to the doorway as the site of impending action. The depiction combines the observation of animals with the narrative climax of a moralizing fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Wolf; Goat; Kid; Stable; Door; Farm; Fable; Depiction of animals; Landscape; Tree; Threat; Approach; Interior; Outdoor space; Hatching; Engraving; French title; 1761; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.7 cm x 12.8 cm (7.8 x 5 in), Illustration: 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 are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint foxing stains are visible. There are some brown spots in the lower left-hand corner.