584 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Farmer from the Danube*, 1777, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Farmer from the Danube*, 1777, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Farmer from the Danube The Farmer from the Danube against a backdrop of a fortress and mountainous landscape, Fable Sheet, 1777, 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 sculp.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LE PAYSAN DU DANUBE. Fable CCXI.” Date: 1777 Description: A bearded man wearing a turban-like headdress strides to the right across stony ground, leaning on a staff. Over his shoulder he carries an animal, probably a lamb or a kid. His stooped upper body, downcast gaze, and long strides emphasize his hardship. Behind him lie tower-like buildings, walls, and a small house; above them, light-colored mountains and bands of clouds are arranged in tiers. The composition combines figurative elements with a sweeping landscape. Delicate parallel lines, dense hatching, and nuanced chiaroscuro give structure to the ground, architecture, and sky. The caption identifies the print as a fable scene and anchors the depiction in a literary context. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Farmer; Hiker; Staff; Beast of burden; Mountains; Fortress; Architecture; Landscape; Fable; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; Clouds; Path; Figurative element; Turban; Walls; Village; Title cartouche; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.8 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Image: 13.1 cm x 8.4 cm (5.2 x 3.3 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. Tanned paper with age-related discoloration, slight creases at the edges, small stains and isolated foxing, occasional discoloration at the edges, and minor signs of wear. There are puncture marks from an old binding on the right-hand edge of the page.