616 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Cat and the Rats’ Alliance*, 1781, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Cat and the Rats’ Alliance*, 1781, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Cat and the League of Rats (La Ligue des Rats): A cat chases rats in a park-like landscape, 1781, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and well-balanced black tones. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LA LIGUE DES RATS. Fable CCXXXIX.” Date: 1781 Description: Within a rectangular plate mark, the sheet depicts a fable-like scene set in a landscape. In the foreground, a spotted cat, with its head bowed and a paw outstretched, creeps toward several fleeing rats; a piece of prey hangs from its mouth. On the right, the rodents are huddled together in front of a stone fountain or section of wall. The middle ground and background feature bushes, rocks, scattered trees, and a villa-like building. The sky is wide open and rendered with delicate horizontal hatching. The composition runs diagonally from the cat toward the rats. Clear contours, varied hatching, and chiaroscuro give structure to the figures, the background, and the space. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Cat; Rats; Fable; Depiction of animals; Landscape; Villa; Garden architecture; Fountain; Escape; Hunt; Foreground; Hatching; Engraving; Book illustration; 18th century; French; Title cartouche; Sky; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 13.0 cm (7.7 x 5.1 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. Slight browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. Discoloration at the bottom left.