587 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Farmer, the Dog, and the Fox*, 1777, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Farmer, the Dog, and the Fox*, 1777, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): The Farmer, the Dog, and the Fox The Farmer, the Dog, and the Fox, an illustrated fable depicting a rural farmyard scene, 1777, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear detail and well-balanced black levels. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: "LE FERMIER, LE CHIEN, ET LE RENARD. Fable CCVI.". Date: 1777 Description: A rural farmyard scene shows, on the left, a wooden shed with a ladder leaning against it, with poultry scattered in front of it. On the right, a man wearing a tricorn hat, a knee-length coat, and stockings is cautiously approaching the shed; his stooped posture and outstretched hands suggest he is about to intervene or has been taken by surprise. A dog stands behind him, gazing intently at what is happening. In the background are trees, an outbuilding, and masonry. The composition clearly distinguishes between the foreground, middle ground, and architectural backdrop. Delicate parallel and crisscrossed hatching renders light and shadow. The scene has a narrative quality and, through the title cartouche, alludes to a moralizing fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Farm scene; Farmer; Dog; Chickens; Shed; Ladder; Tree; Building; Fable; Genre scene; Printed art; Engraving; Tricorn; Poultry; rural; narrative scene; cartouche; architecture; depiction of animals; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 12.6 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Image: 13.0 cm x 8.4 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 show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.