647 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Snake and the File*, 1768, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Snake and the File*, 1768, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): The Snake and the File *Le Serpent et la Lime*, an illustration of a fable featuring a snake by an open workshop door, 1768, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp, well-defined lines and well-defined areas of shadow. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". Inscribed in the printing plate at the bottom: "LE SERPENT ET LA LIME. Fable XCVIII.". Date: 1768 Description: A rectangular frame encloses an interior scene showing a half-open door leading into a deeper room. In the foreground, a snake slithers across the threshold toward a file. In the background are watch cases, workshop furniture, and tools or weights hanging from hooks. Above the doorway is an ornamental cartouche. The illustration makes use of delicate parallel lines, dense cross-hatching, and distinct areas of chiaroscuro; the dark interior, in particular, contrasts with the lighter foreground. The viewer’s gaze is drawn from the left, across the door, and into the depth of the scene. The scene has a narrative quality and, through its title and motif, alludes to a fable with a moralizing punchline. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Interior; Workshop; Door; Snake; File; Clock; Clock case; Tool; Sill; Cartridge; Fable; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; Interior; Device; Moral lesson; Title line; 1768; Vinkeles; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 13.0 cm (7.7 x 5.1 in), Illustration: 13.1 cm x 8.3 cm (5.2 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 are slightly bumped. Slight browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. A dark crease in the top right-hand corner.