642 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Sick Lion and the Fox, 1769, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Sick Lion and the Fox, 1769, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Sick Lion and the Fox The Sick Lion and the Fox in a rocky landscape, illustration for a 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 LION MALADE ET LE RENARD. Fable CXVII.” Date: 1769 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, a lion lies listlessly on a rocky ledge against a backdrop of steep, overgrown mountains. Bone fragments lie before him. In the right-hand foreground, a fox approaches with its head lowered, sniffing the ground. Scrub, stones, and a narrow stream create a sense of depth in the lower part of the composition; above them, a bright sky opens up. The composition draws the eye diagonally from the fox to the lion and on to the rocks. Delicate parallel hatching and dense cross-hatching render the fur, rock, and vegetation. The scene has a narrative quality and, through its title and the arrangement of the animals, alludes to a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Lion; Fox; Fable; Depiction of animals; Mountain landscape; Rocks; Vegetation; Bone; Watercourse; Foreground; Etching; Book illustration; Title cartouche; Animal fable; Predator; Wilderness; Black-and-white print; Landscape; 1769; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 13.0 cm (7.7 x 5.1 in), Image: 12.9 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.