578 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Charlatan*, 1770, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Charlatan*, 1770, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Charlatan (Le Charlatan), Fable CXXII, a scene featuring four men in a loggia, 1770, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, well-balanced print. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculps.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “LE CHARLATAN. Fable CXXII.” Date: 1770 Description: In an architectural loggia, four male figures in contemporary historical attire meet. On the left, a simply dressed man steps forward, hat in hand; on the right, an elegantly dressed gentleman sits on a raised platform and points at him with an outstretched arm. Two other men stand between them, acting as mediators. Their facial expressions and gestures suggest a negotiation or a demonstration. A fountain and trees open up the space to the left, while pilasters and curved cornices structure the background. Delicate parallel hatching renders the fabrics, architecture, and floor. Figure and ground are clearly separated; the light is evenly distributed, without any dramatic emphasis. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Genre scene; Fable; Charlatan; four men; Architecture; Loggia; Fountain; courtly attire; gestures; negotiation; illustration; engraving; hatching; seated figure; interior-exterior space; French text; title cartouche; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.7 cm x 12.8 cm (7.8 x 5 in), Image: 12.9 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 along the side of the page edge. The corners of the sheets are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint water stains are visible. There is a delicate inclusion in the paper in the upper left corner of the page edge.