600 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Monkey and the Leopard, 1775, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Monkey and the Leopard, 1775, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): The Monkey and the Leopard (Le Singe et le Léopard), Fable CLXXII, featuring a street scene and a fairground booth, 1775, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp, well-defined lines and a well-balanced black tone. Inscription: At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: "LE SINGE ET LE LÉOPARD. Fable CLXXII.". Date: 1775 Description: A framed print depicts a narrow alleyway with a fairground stall. On the left, a spotted predator sits behind bars in a wooden pen; above it hangs a sign featuring another image of an animal. In the foreground, an elegantly dressed gentleman strides toward two ladies with a sweeping gesture, while two other figures watch from the background. The clothing—featuring wigs, bodices, and skirts—reflects courtly fashion. The diagonal lines of the roofs and the street create a sense of depth. Delicate parallel hatching, a dense network of lines, and gradations of chiaroscuro give form to the architecture, fabrics, and clouds. The scene resembles a narrative illustration from a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Fable; Illustration; Street scene; Spectacle booth; Leopard; Monkey; Predator; Wire cage; elegant society; ladies; gentleman; wig fashion; Rococo clothing; architecture; cobblestones; tavern sign; book illustration; narrative scene; depiction of animals; French title; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 13.2 cm (7.7 x 5.2 in), Illustration: 13.1 cm x 8.3 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. Slight browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.