605 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Two Goats on a Footbridge, 1778, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Two Goats on a Footbridge, 1778, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): Two goats on a footbridge Two goats on a narrow footbridge in a mountainous landscape with a waterfall and a temple, 1778, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, well-balanced print. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “LES DEUX CHÈVRES. Fable CCXVII.” Date: 1778 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, two long-haired goats stand on a narrow footbridge laid diagonally across a stream, their heads turned toward one another. On the left, a waterfall plunges down between rocks; dense woodland fills the central area. In the background, hills rise toward an antique-style temple and a small tower-like structure. Delicate, parallel lines and dense hatching render the terrain, the animals’ coats, and the cloudy sky; chiaroscuro contrasts emphasize the foreground motif. The composition combines an animal scene with an idealized landscape. The animals’ posture, facing one another, suggests a narrative relationship without depicting a specific plot. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Goats; Footbridge; Stream; Waterfall; Rocks; Trees; Hilly landscape; Temple; Tower; Animal figure; Landscape; Bridge; Cloudy sky; Hatching; Fable illustration; French title; Engraving; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.7 cm x 13.5 cm (7.8 x 5.3 in), Image: 12.9 cm x 8.3 cm (5.1 x 3.3 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. The paper is yellowed and stained due to age, with damage to the edges and minor losses, particularly along the right and bottom edges of the page; there are isolated creases and slight irregularities along the edges.