627 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Eagle and Owl’s Nest, 1768, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Eagle and Owl’s Nest, 1768, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): Eagle and Owl’s Nest L’Aigle et le Hibou: A bird of prey near a nest of young owls on a rock, 1768, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and good black tones. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom, inscribed in the printing plate: “L’AIGLE ET LE HIBOU. Fable C.” Date: 1768 Description: A bird of prey lands on a rocky outcrop with its wings spread and bends its open beak toward a nest containing several young owls. The steep, jagged rock fills the left half of the picture; scrub covers its summit. On the right, a vast landscape opens up with a low horizon—water or a plain—a distant shoreline, and a bright patch of sky featuring a round sun disc. The composition links the foreground and the background via the bird’s diagonal line of movement. Delicate parallel hatching and dense cross-hatching render the rock, plumage, and shadows. The scene has a narrative quality and alludes to an animal fable featuring a threatening encounter. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Bird of prey; Eagle; Owl’s nest; Young birds; Cliffs; Scrub; Landscape; Animal fable; Attack; Depiction of a bird; Portrait orientation; Hatching; Sky; Sun; Shore; Book illustration; Inscription; 1768; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.6 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Illustration: 13.1 cm x 8.2 cm (5.2 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.