637 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Shepherd and the Lion*, 1769, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Shepherd and the Lion*, 1769, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Shepherd and the Lion The Shepherd and the Lion, an illustration from a French fable, 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 printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LE PASTRE ET LE LION. Fable CIV.” Date: 1769 Description: A scene set in a wooded landscape shows a kneeling shepherd in the foreground, leaning back in fright with his arm outstretched and his head turned away. A long shepherd’s crook lies beside him. To the right, standing on a slightly raised step of ground, is a lion, facing the viewer calmly, with its head raised and tail arched. Dense foliage, a tree trunk rising diagonally, and a rock frame the scene. Delicate parallel and cross-hatching render the bodies, terrain, and foliage. The contrast between the man’s panicked gesture and the animal’s composed demeanor creates narrative tension. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Shepherd; Lion; Fable; Forest landscape; Tree; Rock; kneeling figure; encounter with an animal; fright; shepherd’s crook; landscape; book illustration; French text; engraving; hatching; frontispiece; narrative scene; La Fontaine; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.4 cm x 13.0 cm (7.6 x 5.1 in), Image: 13.0 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.