577 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Horse and Donkey, 1770, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Horse and Donkey, 1770, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): Horse and Donkey: A horse and a fallen donkey against a backdrop of a tower and countryside; an illustration of a fable, 1770, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculps.” At the bottom, inscribed in the printing plate: “LE CHEVAL ET L’ANE. Fable CXIX.” Date: 1770 Description: A donkey lies on the ground in the foreground, partially covered by a load and a cloth, while on the right a horse rears up, either in fright or to avoid something. On the left, a tower, a small house, and trees are arranged in tiers; behind them, a flat landscape opens up. The sky is filled with delicate parallel lines, with no clouds depicted. Hatching gives the animals’ bodies, the architecture, and the terrain distinct form and provides the sheet with clear chiaroscuro values. The diagonal composition between the reclining donkey and the moving horse heightens the narrative contrast. The image resembles a moralizing fable in which a burden, a fall, and disparate reactions are explored. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Horse; Donkey; Fable; Depiction of an animal; Landscape; Tower; House; Group of trees; Load; Fall; Movement; Engraving; Book illustration; French title; 18th century; Moral scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 12.7 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Illustration: 13.1 cm x 8.4 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 are slightly bumped and creased. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.