586 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), A Mogul Resident’s Dream, 1777, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), A Mogul Resident’s Dream, 1777, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): A Mogul inhabitant’s dream. Allegorical dream scene from “Le Songe d’un habitant du Mogol,” Fable CCVIII, 1777, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, well-balanced print, with clear detail, good black levels, and delicate line definition. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.”; inscribed in the printing plate at the bottom: “LE SONGE D’UN HABITANT DU MOGOL. Fable CCVIII.” Date: 1777 Description: An allegorical dream scene unfolds within a rectangular frame. At the bottom, a half-naked man wearing a turban lies asleep against a rock; beside him is a long wind instrument. Above him, clouds carry a standing female figure holding a book or a sheet of writing. On the right, a bearded man with his hand raised appears amidst a radiant blaze of fire. A large tree connects the realms of earth and vision. Delicate parallel hatching and closely spaced lines render the clouds, foliage, figures, and rock. The viewer’s gaze is drawn from the sleeper, over the tree trunk, to the apparition. The layering creates a distinct sense of depth and enhances the dramatic quality of the scene. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Dream; Fable; Sleeping figure; Turban; Clouds; Vision; Female figure; Apparition; Tree; Rock; Landscape; Allegory; Book; Rays; Wind instrument; French title; Etching; Engraving; Illustration; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.9 cm x 12.8 cm (7.8 x 5 in), Image: 13.2 cm x 8.2 cm (5.2 x 3.2 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. Slight browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. The page edge is slightly soiled.