610 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Companions of Ulysses, 1778, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Companions of Ulysses, 1778, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): The Companions of Ulysses *Les Compagnons d’Ulysse* depicting enchanted companions against a backdrop of coastal architecture, 1778, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines and good black tones. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom, inscribed in the printing plate: “LES COMPAGNONS D’ULYSSE. à Mr le Duc de Bourgogne. Fable CCXIV.” Date: 1778 Description: Within a framed picture area, a man in antique-style clothing stands in the foreground among several animals. He is leaning toward a roaring lion and touching it soothingly. Around him are a wolf, a fox or a dog, another crouching animal, and a small ape-like figure. To the left rises a column-supported palace structure; to the right, tall trees frame the scene; in the background lies a body of water with sailing ships. Delicate parallel and intersecting hatching renders the figures, fur, foliage, and sky. The composition combines narrative staffage, an Arcadian coastal landscape, and a metamorphosis scene with mythological references. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Ulysses; Companions; Metamorphosis; Lion; Wolf; Monkey; Animals; Mythology; Coast; Ships; Palace; Columns; Group of trees; Landscape; Book illustration; French title; Border panel; Hatching; Allegory; Narrative scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.4 cm (7.7 x 4.9 in), Illustration: 13.0 cm x 8.4 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. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. Slightly discolored at the bottom left.