535 - J. PUNT (1711–1779), The Frog and the Rat, 1761, etching

J. PUNT (1711–1779), The Frog and the Rat, 1761, etching Jan Punt (1711–1779): The Frog and the Rat, a fable illustration titled “La Grenouille et le Rat” featuring a bird of prey over a river landscape, 1761, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines and uniform blackness. Inscription: Signed in the lower left corner of the printing plate: "J. Punt del. et sculps.". At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: “LA GRENOUILLE ET LE RAT. Fable LXXI.” Date: 1761 Description: Within a rectangular frame, a riverside landscape is depicted, featuring a steep rocky slope, houses, and trees. A bird of prey flies above the precipice with outstretched wings, clutching two small animals in its talons. Below, a stretch of water opens up, with banks, a village, and hills in the background. The composition clearly distinguishes between the foreground, middle ground, and background; the bird forms the dynamic centerpiece. Delicate parallel hatching and cross-hatching render the sky, terrain, and architecture, while lighter areas create a sense of openness in the water and air. The scene combines a narrative animal motif with an idealized landscape and, based on the signature, suggests an illustration for a fable. Within a rectangular frame, a riverside landscape is depicted, featuring a steep rocky slope, houses, and trees. Above the precipice, a bird of prey flies with outstretched wings, clutching two small animals in its talons. Below, a stretch of water opens up; in the background lie the riverbank, a village, and a hill. The composition clearly layers the foreground, middle ground, and background; the bird forms the dynamic center. Delicate parallel hatching and cross-hatching render the sky, terrain, and architecture, while lighter areas open up the water and air. The scene combines a narrative animal motif with an idealized landscape and, through the signature, indicates that it is an illustration for a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Bird of prey; Eagle; Fable; Animals; Landscape; River; Rocks; Houses; Village; Riverbank; Sky; Hatching; Border; Book illustration; Title cartouche; 18th century; Etching; Engraving; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.3 cm x 12.8 cm (7.6 x 5 in), Image: 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 show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.