588 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Torrent and the River*, 1773, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Torrent and the River*, 1773, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Torrent and the River (Le Torrent et la Rivière), a fable scene featuring a man who has fallen on the riverbank, 1773, 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 TORRENT ET LA RIVIERE. Fable CLXV.” Date: 1773 Description: Within a framed picture area, a man lies in the foreground, half submerged in the water, having fallen backward, one arm raised. A hat is floating or lying beside him. On the right bank, three smaller figures in knee-length robes are approaching; their gestures suggest astonishment or that they are calling out. The landscape rises on the left into rocks and tall trees; on the right, it opens out toward mountains, a waterfall, and a tower-like structure in the distance. Delicate parallel and cross-hatching render the water, vegetation, and rock. The composition combines narrative figures with the spatial depth of a landscape and the moral-allegorical content of a fable illustration. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: River; Waterfall; Man; Water; Hat; three figures; Riverbank; Rocks; Trees; Waterfall; Mountains; Tower; landscape; Fable; Illustration; hatching; Foreground figure; Narrative scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 20.1 cm x 12.8 cm (7.9 x 5 in), Image: 13.1 cm x 8.4 cm (5.2 x 3.3 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. Significant aging of the paper and browning of the edges; scattered water stains and brown spots; discoloration and tears, particularly in the upper right-hand corner and along the right-hand edge of the page; slight wear to the corners and edges.