585 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Wolf at the Well, 1777, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Wolf at the Well, 1777, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): Wolf at the Well Le loup et le renard: A wolf at a drawing well, set against a backdrop of landscape and buildings, 1777, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp, well-defined lines and well-graded shades of black. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “LE LOUP ET LE RENARD. Fable CCX.” Date: 1777 Description: A wolf occupies the foreground, resting its front paws on the rim of a well, beside which a bucket hangs. Its body is tilted forward in a tense posture; the position of its head suggests a searching or greedy interest. Behind it, the riverbank, scrub, and a calm stretch of water open out into a landscape flanked by buildings. Delicate parallel and crisscrossed hatching renders the fur, earth, architecture, and sky. The well post on the right frames the scene vertically, while the diagonal line of the animal’s body directs the viewer’s gaze toward the well. The caption identifies the sheet as an illustration for a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Wolf; Fountain; Bucket; Fable; Landscape; Riverbank; Building; Trees; Shrubbery; Depiction of an animal; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; Architecture; Narrative; France; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 13.0 cm (7.7 x 5.1 in), Illustration: 13.3 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 show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.