655 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Matron of Ephesus, Plate 2, 1780, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Matron of Ephesus, Plate 2, 1780, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): The Matron of Ephesus, Plate 2. La Matrone d’Ephese, Fable CCXLIII, Plate 2, 1780, 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 lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “LA MATRONE D’EPHESE. Fable CCXLIII. 2e Planche.” Date: 1780 Description: In a dilapidated interior with a barrel vault, a veiled woman sits on a stone block in the foreground, embracing a kneeling man. Behind them, a second woman holds aloft an oil lamp, the light from which illuminates the figures and the masonry. Through an arch on the left, a small secondary scene is visible, featuring a gallows and figures outdoors. A jug, a plate, a cloth, and scattered objects lie on the floor. The composition focuses on the triangular arrangement of the figures in the foreground; heavy hatching deepens the darkness of the space, while lighter areas highlight the faces, drapery, and the glow of the lamp. The narrative structure suggests a moralizing fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Interior of ruins; Woman; Veiled matron; Kneeling man; Companion; Oil lamp; Fable scene; Embrace; Vault; Stone architecture; Gallows; Secondary scene; Jug; Plate; Drapery; Hatching; Chiaroscuro; Title cartouche; Engraving; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 20.8 cm x 12.9 cm (8.2 x 5.1 in), Image: 12.9 cm x 8.2 cm (5.1 x 3.2 in) Condition: Good condition. The sheet is generally browned and wavy, with irregularly trimmed margins, some of which are dented and torn; minor surface imperfections and creases along the margins, with the occasional small spot and slight signs of aging.