625 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Judge, the Innkeeper, and the Hermit, 1781, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Judge, the Innkeeper, and the Hermit, 1781, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): The Judge, the Innkeeper, and the Hermit. Illustration for the fable “Le Juge Arbitre, l’Hospitalier, et le Solitaire,” 1781, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp, well-defined lines and a rich black tone. Inscription: Signed in the lower left corner of the printing plate: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: “LE JUGE ARBITRE, L’HOSPITALIER, ET LE SOLITAIRE. Fable CCXLV.” Date: 1781 Description: Three male figures meet in a rocky grotto. On the left, a bearded old man sits on a stone bench, barefoot and wrapped in loose-fitting robes; his head is raised toward the young man standing in the center. The latter is pointing forward with his hand as he argues. On the right, a long-haired man in a cloak joins them and leans down as he speaks. Sloping rock formations loom over the scene, creating a sense of enclosed space. Delicate, closely spaced hatching renders the robes, rock surfaces, and areas of shadow. Lighter areas are concentrated on the faces and hands, thereby emphasizing the lines of sight and the dialogical core of the depiction. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Cave; three men; scholar; hermit; judge; hospitality; fable; book illustration; figure; conversation; gesture; rock; interior; barefoot; hatching; engraving; French text; moral scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 12.7 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Illustration: 12.8 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 along the side of the page edge; some of these have torn out slightly. The corners of the sheets show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint water stains are visible. The bottom edge of the page is slightly soiled.