598 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Cat and the Rat*, 1773, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Cat and the Rat*, 1773, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): The Cat and the Rat, an illustration for the fable “Le Chat et le Rat,” featuring animals in a woodland scene by a waterfall, 1773, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines and well-graded blacks. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: “LE CHAT ET LE RAT. Fable CLXIV.” Date: 1773 Description: Within a framed picture area, a woodland landscape is depicted, featuring a waterfall, a stream, and a tall tree trunk on the right. Several animals are perched on or climbing the trunk and branches, including a bird, small rodents, and, at the bottom left, a cat holding a stretched-out net or a hammock. A rat’s or mouse’s head is visible in the net. The scene is narratively condensed and focused on the interactions between the animals. Delicate parallel hatching structures the sky, water, fur, and bark; a denser network of lines emphasizes the shaded areas. The foreground and background are clearly layered. The arrangement of the animals suggests an illustration for a moralizing fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Fable; Animals; Cat; Rat; Mouse; Bird; Forest landscape; Waterfall; Tree; Net; Illustration; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; Landscape; Depiction of animals; French title; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 20.3 cm x 12.8 cm (8 x 5 in), Illustration: 13.1 cm x 8.4 cm (5.2 x 3.3 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. Significant aging of the paper, slightly browned and stained; damage to the edges and tears along the right-hand edge of the page, minor creases and signs of wear; overall, showing age-related imperfections at the edges.