574 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Animals Infected with the Plague*, 1770, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Animals Infected with the Plague*, 1770, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The animals stricken with the plague *Les Animaux malades de la peste*, a group of animals gathered around a sick lion, 1770, 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: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom, inscribed in the printing plate: “LES ANIMAUX MALADES DE LA PESTE. / Fable CXXV.” Date: 1770 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, a group of animals is gathered in a rocky woodland landscape. On the left stand a donkey and a small canid; in the center, a dog is shown in profile; on the right, a lion, wolf, or fox, a wild boar, and a stag with large antlers are resting. The lion lies exhausted on the ground, its mouth open, suggesting illness and weakness. Tree tops and rocks frame the scene, while a bright, distant space opens up in the background. Delicate, even lines, dense hatching, and gradated chiaroscuro modeling give structure to the fur, ground, and foliage. The composition arranges the animals in a circle around the lion as the narrative center. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Animals; Lion; Deer; Donkey; Dog; Wolf; Wild boar; Woodland landscape; Fable; Illness; Plague; Animal gathering; Etching; Book illustration; Rock; Tree; Antlers; Allegory; French title; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 12.4 cm (7.7 x 4.9 in), Image: 13.0 cm x 8.2 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 are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. The right-hand edge of the page is slightly creased.