633 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Fox, the Monkey, and the Animals, 1769, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Fox, the Monkey, and the Animals, 1769, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Fox, the Monkey, and the Animals: An animal fable featuring a fox, a monkey, and a crown set in a rocky landscape, 1769, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and nuanced shades of gray. Inscription: Signed in the lower left of the printing plate: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LE RENARD, LE SINGE ET LES ANIMAUX. Fable CIX.” Date: 1769 Description: Within a tall, rectangular picture field, an animal fable unfolds against a landscape backdrop. In the foreground stands a fox; beside him, a monkey stands upright with its arms raised. Between them lies a crown, the central symbol of sovereignty. In the middle ground, other animals are gathered—including a lion, a sheep, a goat, and a large, elephant-like creature—arranged decoratively against a rocky slope. On the right, trees frame the scene. Delicate, closely spaced hatching renders the fur, terrain, and clouds; lighter areas open up the background. The viewer’s gaze moves from the figures in the foreground across the crown to the group of animals, emphasizing the narrative hierarchy of the fable scene. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Animal fable; Fox; Monkey; Crown; Lion; Sheep; Goat; Elephant; Animals; Landscape; Trees; Rocks; Allegory; Rule; Book illustration; French title; Etching; Copperplate style; Gathering of animals; Portrait orientation; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 13.1 cm (7.7 x 5.2 in), Image: 13.0 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.