645 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Stag and the Vine*, 1768, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Stag and the Vine*, 1768, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Deer and the Vine (Le Cerf et la Vigne): A deer attacked by dogs in the forest, 1768, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, well-balanced print. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LE CERF ET LA VIGNE. Fable XCVII.” Date: 1768 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, several dogs are attacking a stag lying on the ground. The animals cluster in the foreground to form a circling pack; their gaping mouths, taut bodies, and outstretched legs heighten the drama. Tall tree trunks and winding vines frame the scene, while a view of light countryside on the right creates a sense of depth. Delicate parallel hatching and closely spaced lines render the fur, ground, and foliage with subtle variation. The relationship between figure and ground remains clearly discernible. The caption refers to a fable and suggests a moralizing interpretation of the animal fight. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695), *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Deer; Dogs; Hunting; Animal fight; Forest; Trees; Vine; Vine shoot; Fable; Book illustration; Landscape; Attack; Dramatic scene; Hatching; Printed graphic; Caption; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.7 cm x 12.7 cm (7.8 x 5 in), Illustration: 13.0 cm x 8.1 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. Water stains are visible across the entire sheet.