639 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Deer by the Water, 1769, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Deer by the Water, 1769, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): A deer by the water A deer reflected in the water, in front of a waterfall and trees, 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.”; inscribed in the printing plate at the bottom: “LE CERF SE VOYANT DANS L’EAUE. Fable CXII.” Date: 1769 Description: A stag with sweeping antlers stands in the shallow water at the water’s edge, lowering its head toward its reflection. Behind him rises a densely vegetated cluster of trees and rocks; to the left, a waterfall plunges down. Reeds and stones create a layered foreground, while delicate horizontal lines enliven the water’s surface. The composition guides the eye from the waterfall, past the tree, to the animal in the foreground on the right. Uniform hatching and closely drawn lines render the fur, foliage, and terrain. The title strip alludes to a fable; the motif combines a depiction of nature with a moral lesson on vanity and self-knowledge. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Deer; Antlers; Water; Reflection; Fable; Landscape; Waterfall; Group of trees; Riverbank; Reeds; Rocks; Nature; Depiction of an animal; Title cartouche; Hatching; Engraving; 1769; France; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.7 cm x 12.6 cm (7.8 x 5 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 sheet are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. There is some slight bumping along the upper right margin of the sheet.