608 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Bat, Bush, and Duck, 1778, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Bat, Bush, and Duck, 1778, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): Bat, Bush, and Duck: A fable-like scene featuring a bat and a duck on a rocky seashore, 1778, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with clear definition and uniform blackness. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LA CHAUVE-SOURIS, LE BUISSON ET LE CANARD. Fable CCXX.” Date: 1778 Description: A tall, rectangular print depicts a coastal scene with a rocky shore, scrub, and several wind-sculpted trees on the left. On the right, the view opens out onto choppy water with hatched waves. In the foreground, a long-necked waterbird sits on the ground; next to it, a second bird lies on its side on the shore. In the right-hand middle ground, a bat flies over the sea with outstretched wings. The composition layers vegetation, animals, and water with a clear sense of depth. Dense parallel hatching renders the sky, ground, and water surfaces, while delicate lines distinguish the leaves and plumage. The caption at the bottom refers to a scene from a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Coast; Shore; Sea; Scrub; Trees; Rocks; Waterbird; Duck; Bat; Fable; Depiction of an animal; Landscape; Waves; Sky; Inscription cartouche; Engraving; Illustration; 1778; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.7 cm x 12.7 cm (7.8 x 5 in), Image: 12.9 cm x 8.3 cm (5.1 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 are slightly bumped. Slight browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. Slight discoloration in the lower right-hand corner.