634 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Jupiter and the Tenant, 1769, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Jupiter and the Tenant, 1769, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): Jupiter and the Tenant: Jupiter appears to a kneeling farmer, illustration for Fable CVII, 1769, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: Clear lines with a beautiful, deep black tone. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “JUPITER ET LE METAYER. Fable CVII.” Date: 1769 Description: A winged, bearded male god of the heavens sits upon thick clouds and points with his outstretched arm toward a kneeling peasant. The peasant is dressed in short work clothes, stockings, and shoes; he raises his arms imploringly and looks upward. To the left stands a simple farm cart; to the right, a flat landscape opens up, featuring a stream and scrub. The composition links the upper celestial realm and the lower earthly realm along a clear vertical axis. Delicate parallel hatching, cross-hatching, and graduated chiaroscuro modeling give structure to the clouds, figures, and terrain. The scene has a narrative quality and, through the inscription, alludes to a moralizing fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Jupiter; Farmer; Fable; Mythology; Clouds; Wings; Landscape; Farm cart; Kneeling figure; Celestial phenomenon; Garment; Gesture; Etching; Book illustration; Allegory; Moral; Inscription; Barefoot god; Rural scene; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 13.2 cm (7.7 x 5.2 in), Image: 12.9 cm x 8.4 cm (5.1 x 3.3 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.