615 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Hymenaios and Love, 1781, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Hymenaios and Love, 1781, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): Hymenaios and Love: An allegorical depiction of Hymen and Cupid with cherubs on clouds, 1781, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and nuanced shades of black. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: "L'HYMENÉE ET L'AMOUR. Fable CCXXXVIII. / A terres A. S. Mde Bourbon et Mde Prinse de Conty.". Date: 1781 Description: A winged female allegory sits on clouds in the center, surrounded by several putti. Her upper body is bare; a cloth drapes over her hips and legs. In her raised hand she holds a twig; a putto on the left presents a torch or standard, while other child figures recline at her feet and on clouds to the right. The group is set against a densely hatched sky, with a landscape view featuring scrubland opening up below. Delicate lines, tight cross-hatching, and gradated chiaroscuro modeling create volume and atmospheric depth. The viewer’s gaze is drawn to the central figure as the personification of love and marital union. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Allegory; Hymen; Cupid; cherubs; winged figure; clouds; landscape; branch; torch; god of love; marriage; celestial phenomenon; cartouche; French text; etching; book illustration; personification; Rococo; child figures; hatching; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.8 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Image: 12.8 cm x 8.3 cm (5 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. Discoloration at the bottom left.