533 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Gardener and His Master*, 1761, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), *The Gardener and His Master*, 1761, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Gardener and His Master The Gardener and His Master, the second panel of an illustration for a fable featuring a hunting party, 1761, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear detail and well-balanced black levels. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LE JARDINIER ET SON SEIGNEUR. Fable LXIV. 2e Planche.” Date: 1761 Description: In an enclosed park or garden setting, a pack of dogs with their heads bowed moves across the ground in the foreground. On the left and in the center, several horsemen wearing tricorn hats approach on spirited horses; additional figures follow in the middle ground. Tall trees frame the scene; on the right, architecture is visible behind the foliage. The composition combines the diagonal movements of the hunting party with the vertical tree trunks. Delicate, closely spaced lines and hatching render the foliage, ground, and sky with subtle variation. Light-colored areas in the center create a sense of depth. The caption identifies the sheet as an illustration of a fable and directs the interpretation toward a moralizing narrative structure. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Horsemen; Horses; Dogs; Hunting party; Garden; Park landscape; Trees; Architecture; Fable illustration; French title; Landscape; Figural arrangement; Foreground; Middle ground; Hatching; Etching; Book illustration; Tricorn; Rococo; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.3 cm x 12.8 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.