609 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), A Row Between the Dogs and Cats, 1778, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), A Row Between the Dogs and Cats, 1778, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): A quarrel between dogs and cats: A fable-like scene depicting dogs and cats quarrelling indoors, 1778, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and good black tones. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LA QUERELLE DES CHIENS ET DES CHATS, ET CELLE DES CHATS ET DES SOURIS. Fable CXXI.” Date: 1778 Description: In a stately interior, two dogs and two cats are locked in a fierce struggle. In the foreground, the animals are biting and scratching at the floor; on the right, a dog with its legs spread wide is straddling a fallen animal. On the left, paneling, a window overlooking the garden, and a vase frame the scene; on the right, a door, a fireplace, and a heavy curtain open onto a second room. Delicate parallel hatching, dense cross-hatching, and clear contours render the fur, fabrics, and architecture. The composition combines a decorative interior with a morally charged animal scene. The caption explicitly refers to a fable and directs the interpretation toward a didactic message. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Dogs; Cats; Animal fight; Fable; Interior; Curtain; Door; Fireplace; Window; View of the garden; Vase; Architectural frame; Hatching; Engraving; Depiction of animals; moral scene; interior; Rococo ornament; floor tiles; book illustration; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 13.1 cm (7.7 x 5.2 in), Illustration: 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.