581 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Stuck Cart*, 1770, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Stuck Cart*, 1770, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Stuck Cart: The Stuck Hay Cart with Coachman and Horses, illustration from a fable, 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 bottom, inscribed in the printing plate: “LE CHARTIER EMBOURBÉ. Fable CXXI.” Date: 1770 Description: The print depicts a cart stuck on a forest track, laden with hay bales piled high. On the left stand two horses, depicted as straining; on the right, the coachman is leaning far forward, reaching for the etching or the ground, as if trying to free the vehicle. The clothing—consisting of a skirt, knee-length trousers, and stockings—suggests an older, everyday scene. Tall trees frame the background and create a sense of depth. Delicate hatching renders the foliage, fur, wood, and earth; strong chiaroscuro contrasts intensify the action in the foreground. The scene has a narrative quality and appears to illustrate a moralizing fable about effort, stagnation, or self-reliance. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Cart; Hay; Horses; Coachman; Forest path; Trees; Fable; Illustration; Landscape; Work; Rural scene; Etching; Draft animals; Foreground; Hatching; Chiaroscuro; Book illustration; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.7 cm x 12.6 cm (7.8 x 5 in), Image: 12.9 cm x 8.5 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.