643 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Sun and the Frogs*, 1769, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Sun and the Frogs*, 1769, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Sun and the Frogs The Sun and the Frogs in a marshy landscape beneath a bright, sunny sky, 1769, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and well-balanced black tones. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LE SOLEIL ET LES GRENOUILLES Fable CXV.” Date: 1769 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, a marshy landscape stretches out, featuring a small wooden bridge, calm water, reeds, and a tree standing on the right. In the foreground, several frogs are sitting among tufts of grass on the bank. Above this, a dramatic sky unfolds: broad rays of sunlight burst forth in a fan-shaped pattern from a band of clouds and dominate the composition. The print employs delicate parallel hatching, dense lines in the sky, and dark shading of the bank areas. The foreground, middle ground, and background are clearly stratified. The scene combines observation of nature with symbolic intensification; the rays serve as the iconographic center of the fable’s depiction. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Frogs; Sun; Fable; Landscape; Marsh; Shore; Reeds; Wooden bridge; Tree; Clouds; Rays; Water; Etching; Title cartouche; Book illustration; Animals; Nature; Sky; Netherlands; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.6 cm x 12.6 cm (7.7 x 5 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.