534 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), Battle of the Rats and Weasels, 1761, Etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), Battle of the Rats and Weasels, 1761, Etching Jan Punt (1711 – 1779 ): Battle of the Rats and Weasels *Le Combat des Rats et des Belettes* in front of a ruined tower, 1761, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp, well-defined lines and a well-balanced black tone. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “J. Punt del. et sculps.” Inscribed in the printing plate at the bottom: “LE COMBAT DES RATS ET DES BELETTES / Fable LXVI.” Date: 1761 Description: The print depicts a rocky clearing in front of the ruins of a dilapidated round tower, with several animals fighting, including rats and elongated weasels or polecats. Fallen beams lean against a wall arch; trees frame the scene on either side. The animals are scattered across the ground in a low-angle view, forming a dynamic, narrative zone in the foreground. Delicate parallel lines and dense hatching render the masonry, foliage, and earth; the sky remains lighter and more two-dimensional. The composition combines landscape with an animal scene, with the ruin serving as the setting for a moral fable. A title strip explicitly identifies the sheet as a fable scene. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Ruins; Round tower; Animal fight; Rats; Weasels; Fable; Landscape; Trees; Rocks; Arched wall; Beams; Foreground; Engraving; Title cartouche; 1761; Book illustration; Animal piece; Moral; Natural setting; Small format; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.3 cm x 12.3 cm (7.6 x 4.8 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. Slight creases along the right-hand margin of the sheet.