630 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Villager and the Snake*, 1769, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Villager and the Snake*, 1769, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): The Villager and the Snake An interior scene from the fable “Le Villageois et le Serpent,” set in front of the fireplace, 1769, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines and well-graded hatching. Inscription: Signed in the lower left corner of the printing plate: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: “LE VILLAGEOIS ET LE SERPENT Fable CXVI.” Date: 1769 Description: An interior scene depicts a frightened farmer standing in front of an open fireplace, reacting to a snake with a shovel raised. On the right, a woman sits on the floor protecting a child; her gesture conveys a sense of defense against the unfolding scene. A cooking pot, a plate, and a cloth lie in the foreground; bundles of wood and vessels enliven the room. A small leaded-glass window and the strong diagonal lines of the fireplace give structure to the room. Light streams in from the front left, highlighting the figures and the fireplace area and heightening the dramatic action. Delicate parallel and intersecting hatching lines model volume, shadows, and wall surfaces; the figures and the background remain clearly distinct. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Interior; Fireplace; Farmer; Woman; Child; Snake; Fable; Domestic scene; Shovel; Hearth; Stove; Stained-glass window; Bundle of wood; Fear; Defensive gesture; Engraving; Book illustration; Genre; Animal; Narrative; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.4 cm x 12.7 cm (7.6 x 5 in), Image: 12.9 cm x 8.1 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.