591 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Democritus and the Abderites, 1773, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Democritus and the Abderites, 1773, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): Democritus and the Abderites (Démocrite et les Abdéritains), a scholarly scene on the riverbank in front of the town and the bridge, 1773, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and well-balanced black tones. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “DEMOCRITE ET LES ABDÉRITAINS. Fable CLXVIII.". Date: 1773 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, a bearded man in antique-style robes is reclining under a large tree on the riverbank. Several open and closed books lie before him; with his finger raised, he appears to be lecturing or deep in thought. A second figure stands behind him, leaning forward attentively. In the middle ground, a stone bridge spans the water; behind it rises a fortified town or castle complex with a tower. Delicate parallel hatching renders the sky, robes, and ground; a dense network of lines darkens the tree canopy and the foreground. The composition combines a scholarly scene, landscape, and architectural background to form a narrative illustration of a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Scholar; Books; Tree; Riverbank; Bridge; Cityscape; Tower; Landscape; Fable; Dialogue; Bearded man; Standing figure; Robes; River; Architecture; Engraving; Book illustration; Teaching scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 12.9 cm (7.7 x 5.1 in), Image: 13.1 cm x 8.4 cm (5.2 x 3.3 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. The sheet is generally browned and slightly mottled, with discoloration around the margins, a few small spots of mold or dirt, traces of binding or stitching on the left margin, and slight signs of wear.