590 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Two Dogs and a Dead Donkey, 1773, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Two Dogs and a Dead Donkey, 1773, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): Two Dogs and a Dead Donkey. Two dogs on the riverbank against a cityscape, an illustration for the fable “Les deux chiens et l’âne mort,” 1773, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and nuanced shades of gray. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom, inscribed in the printing plate: “LES DEUX CHIENS ET L'ÂNE MORT. Fable CLXVII.". Date: 1773 Description: Two dogs stand in the foreground on a riverbank, leaning forward with their heads bowed toward an animal carcass floating in the water—presumably the dead donkey mentioned in the caption. Their bodies are tense, their movements directed diagonally toward the water. Behind them lies a river or harbor basin with small boats, a long bridge, and a densely built-up town with towers and churches. A range of hills and migrating birds enliven the background. Delicate parallel lines and dense hatching render the sky, water, fur, and terrain. The scene combines animal fable, landscape, and narrative staffage within a clearly structured pictorial space. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Dogs; Donkey carcass; Fable; Riverbank; Cityscape; Harbor; Boats; Bridge; Church towers; Birds; Landscape; Depiction of animals; Book illustration; French title; Engraving; Scene on the riverbank; Narrative picture; Water; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 13.2 cm (7.7 x 5.2 in), Image: 13.2 cm x 8.5 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.