650 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Fortune and a Young Boy, 1767, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Fortune and a Young Boy, 1767, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): Fortune and a Young Boy, Allegorical Scene “La Fortune et le Jeune Enfant,” Fable XCIII, 1767, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with clear lines and a well-balanced black tone. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “LA FORTUNE ET LE JEUNE ENFANT. Fable XCIII.” Date: 1767 Description: In a tall, rectangular print, a female figure, draped in an antique style, is kneeling on the right over a boy lying on the ground. On the left, square stones are stacked in tiers; above them, a rope with a pulley hangs from a beam; a bucket stands on a step. Behind the figures, shapes resembling clouds and trees loom. The woman bends down toward the child with a gesture that is both energetic and caring; the tilt of her head and the boy’s gaze lend the scene a narrative intensity. Delicate parallel hatching, cross-hatching, and varied networks of lines render the masonry, the garment, and the clouds. The relationship between figure and ground remains clearly discernible, with a strong chiaroscuro contrast in the lower center of the picture. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Allegory; Female figure; Boy; Fountain; Bucket; Rope; Pulley; Masonry; Clouds; Tree; Garment; Falling scene; Fable; Book illustration; Inscription; Hatching; Portrait orientation; Landscape elements; Architectural fragment; Printed graphic; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.8 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Image: 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 show minimal wear. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible.