619 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The English Chestnut*, 1781, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The English Chestnut*, 1781, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The English Fox (Le Renard Anglois), a fable scene featuring dogs, a hanged fox, and an owl, 1781, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: A crisp, clear print with balanced black tones and delicate line definition. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.”; inscribed in the printing plate at the bottom: “LE RENARD ANGLOIS. Fable CCXXXVI.” Date: 1781 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, several dogs are gathered around a tree trunk, from a branch of which a fox is suspended upside down; an owl is also hanging above it. The animals are depicted in tense poses, with their heads raised and mouths open, creating a moment of aggressive excitement. In the background are steps, walls, and rural buildings. Delicate, densely applied hatching renders the fur, foliage, ground, and architecture; chiaroscuro contrasts are concentrated in the foreground around the tree trunk and the animal’s body. The composition directs the viewer’s gaze downward from the suspended fox toward the dogs, combining narrative tension with the moralizing nature of a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Dogs; Fox; Owl; Tree; Fable; Depiction of animals; Rural architecture; Farmyard; Hunting motif; Group of animals; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; Moral; Attack; Hanged animal; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.7 cm x 13.0 cm (7.8 x 5.1 in), Illustration: 12.7 cm x 8.2 cm (5 x 3.2 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.