617 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Daphnis and Alcimadure, 1781, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Daphnis and Alcimadure, 1781, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): Daphnis and Alcimadure Daphnis et Alcimadure, a shepherd lying prostrate before three women at the doorway, 1781, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with crisp details and nuanced shades of black and gray. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “DAPHNIS ET ALCIMADURE. Fable CCXL.” Date: 1781 Description: In the foreground, against a backdrop of rustic stone architecture, a young man lies on his back on the ground, his shepherd’s crook resting diagonally across his body. Beside him, a dog rears up. In the doorway stand three elegantly dressed women in long, richly pleated gowns; their heads and gestures are turned toward the man lying on the ground. The scene combines dramatic action with an observer’s detachment. The architectural frame and the interior create depth, while the dark shadows cast by the walls contrast with the lighter figures. Delicate parallel hatching and dense cross-hatching render fabrics, masonry, and areas of shadow. Lines of sight and body postures focus attention on the figure lying on the ground as the narrative centerpiece. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Figures; Women; Man; Dog; Doorway; Stone wall; Interior; Lintel; Shepherd; Staff; Dress; Rococo costume; Narrative scene; Book illustration; Printed art; Hatching; Literature; Fable; Architecture; Drama; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 13.2 cm (7.7 x 5.2 in), Image: 13.0 cm x 8.5 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 along the side of the page edge; some of these have torn out slightly. The corners of the sheet are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. There is some soiling in the upper right-hand corner.