532 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), A Peacock and Birds in a Fable Scene, 1761, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), A Peacock and Birds in a Fable Scene, 1761, Etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): A peacock and birds in a fable scene. Fable illustration featuring a peacock, a jay, and other birds beneath trees, 1761, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and well-graded blacks. 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 GEAY PARÉ DES PLUMES DU PAON. Fable LXIX.” Date: 1761 Description: A scene featuring birds is depicted within a rectangular frame. In the foreground, a peacock strides to the right with its head bowed and its tail fanning out widely. Other birds are grouped around it, with their wings raised or spread; two are flying in the upper part of the picture. On the right, a tree trunk rising diagonally, with leafy branches, frames the scene; on the left and in the background, thickets and patches of ground add depth to the natural setting. Delicate parallel hatching gives structure to the sky, plumage, tree trunk, and ground. Chiaroscuro modeling is achieved through dense layers of lines. Below the illustration is a typographical title cartouche, which refers to a fable-like scene with a didactic message. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Peacock; Birds; Fable; Depiction of an animal; Plumage; Tree trunk; Landscape; Birds in flight; Title cartouche; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; Study from nature; Allegory; Moral; 18th century; French text; Group of animals; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.4 cm x 12.3 cm (7.6 x 4.8 in), Image: 13.1 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 mold stains are visible. Slight creases from pressure are visible in the center.