575 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Foxes at a Rock Cave, 1770, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Foxes at a Rock Cave, 1770, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): Foxes at a Rock Cave: A fable scene featuring a group of foxes in front of a rock cave, 1770, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: Clear lines with a beautiful, deep black tone. Inscription: Signed in the lower left of the printing plate: “Vinkeles, del. et sculps.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LE RENARD QUI A LA QUEUE COUPÉE. / Fable LXXXVII.” Date: 1770 Description: Within a rectangular frame, a group of five or six foxes rests at the foot of an overhanging rock. One animal stands upright, resting its forepaws on a stone, while others crouch, rest, or turn their heads attentively to one side. The rocky cave forms a dark background; on the left, the space opens out toward a bright distance and the sky. Delicate parallel lines and dense hatching render the fur, rock, and clouds; chiaroscuro contrasts structure the scene. The depiction combines animal observation with narrative dramatization, supported by the caption, which alludes to a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Foxes; Fable; Group of animals; Rock; Cave; Landscape; Etching; Engraving; Caption; Hatching; Depiction of animals; Natural setting; Sky; Foreground; Animal study; Narrative scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 13.0 cm (7.7 x 5.1 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 are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. The left-hand side of the page edge is slightly creased.