626 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Lion Goes to War*, 1768, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Lion Goes to War*, 1768, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Lion Goes to War: An animal fable featuring a lion, an elephant, and other animals in the forest, 1768, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp, well-defined lines and a beautiful black tone. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “LE LION S’EN ALLANT EN GUERRE. Fable CI.” Date: 1768 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, a group of animals is gathered in a wooded setting. In the center stands a lion facing the viewer, flanked by an elephant, an ox, a bear, a fox or a dog-like animal, and a small hare in the foreground. A monkey is clinging to the elephant’s side. Some of the animals are looking at one another, while others are gazing out of the picture, creating a sense of narrative tension. Delicate, evenly drawn lines and dense hatching render the fur, skin, ground, and foliage. A large tree frames the scene on the left. The depiction has an emblematic quality and, through the inscription, alludes to a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Lion; Elephant; Monkey; Bear; Ox; Hare; Fox; Animals; Fable; Forest; Tree; Group of animals; Frontispiece; Caption; Engraving; Hatching; Allegory; Literature; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 12.4 cm (7.7 x 4.9 in), Illustration: 12.9 cm x 8.2 cm (5.1 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 show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.