593 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), A Falcon and a Cockerel in the Yard, 1773, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), A Falcon and a Cockerel in the Yard, 1773, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): A falcon and a capon in the courtyard Le Faucon et le Chapon: a fable scene featuring a falcon, a capon, and an architectural backdrop, 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 lower left corner of the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: “LE FAUCON ET LE CHAPON. Fable CLXXIII.” Date: 1773 Description: An architecturally framed courtyard shows, on the right, a tall house façade with a staircase, pillars, and large windows. A bird of prey with a restraint strap is perched on a low wall; in the foreground, a fluttering cockerel runs toward the left. Behind the edge of the building, a female figure peeks out, wearing a bonnet or with her hair pinned up. On the left, an archway opens up a view into a narrow alley. The composition clearly distinguishes between the foreground, middle ground, and background. Delicate, even lines and dense hatching render the masonry, vegetation, and shadows. The title identifies the scene as a moralizing fable; animal behavior takes the place of actual characters. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Fable; Bird of prey; Falcon; Rooster; Courtyard scene; Architecture; Staircase; Archway; Cityscape; Depiction of an animal; Woman; Window; Wall; Hatching; Printed artwork; Book illustration; Moral lesson; French title; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.9 cm (7.7 x 5.1 in), Illustration: 13.1 cm x 8.5 cm (5.2 x 3.3 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. The paper is yellowed and slightly wavy, with soiling along the margins, isolated stains, and small creases; the outer margins show slight signs of wear and the occasional small tear. There are puncture marks from an old binding on the right-hand margin.