592 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Unfaithful Custodian*, 1773, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Unfaithful Custodian*, 1773, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Unfaithful Keeper: An illustration of a fable featuring two men and a child inside the house, 1773, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines and nuanced hatching. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LE DEPOSITAIRE INFIDELE. Fable CLXX.” Date: 1773 Description: An interior scene depicts three figures dressed in Oriental attire in a room with an open window. On the left, a bearded adult is holding a child by the shoulders; on the right, a second man is approaching them with his arms outstretched. The gestures create tension and suggest a handover or a dispute. In the background, windows and the view through them open up the room to reveal houses and trees. On the right, vessels stand on shelves, indicating household possessions. Dense parallel and crisscrossing hatching renders the architecture, clothing, and shadows. The light-colored window opening and the dark interior clearly structure the pictorial space and direct the viewer’s gaze toward the group of figures. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Interior; three figures; child; turban; handover; gesture; fable illustration; window; shelf; vessels; household goods; cityscape; hatching; engraving; conflict; possession; moral scene; book illustration; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 13.4 cm (7.7 x 5.3 in), Image: 13.2 cm x 8.4 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.