648 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Hare and the Partridge, 1768, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Hare and the Partridge, 1768, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): The Hare and the Partridge: A fable illustration featuring a hare, dogs, birds, and a mill set in a landscape, 1768, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with delicate, clear lines. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “LE LIEVRE ET LA PERDRIX. Fable XCIX.” Date: 1768 Description: A rural scene is depicted within a rectangular frame, featuring a small mill on the left, tall trees, and an open horizon. In the foreground, two dogs are closing in on a hare lying on the ground; their bodies form a dynamic trio. Above them, two birds fly with outstretched wings, the upper one in a steep dive. The composition layers the landscape, bushes, and architecture with clear spatial depth. Delicate parallel hatching renders the sky, vegetation, and the animals’ bodies; dark areas are concentrated in the copse and on the ground. The viewer’s gaze moves from the mill building, past the birds, to the hunting scene. The text box at the bottom identifies the sheet as an illustration for a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Hare hunting; Dogs; Hare; Birds; Mill; Trees; Landscape; Fable; Depiction of animals; Hunting scene; Engraving; Text frame; Rural scene; Grove; Sky; Horizon; Architecture; Baroque frame; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.5 cm (7.7 x 4.9 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. There is soiling in the upper right-hand corner.