657 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Jupiter’s Elephant and Monkey, 1781, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Jupiter’s Elephant and Monkey, 1781, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): Jupiter’s Elephant and Monkey L’Elephant et le Singe de Jupiter, Fable CCXXXIV, 1781, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: Clear lines with a beautiful, deep 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: “L’ELEPHANT ET LE SINGE DE JUPITER. / Fable CCXXXIV.” Date: 1781 Description: Within a rectangular border, the sheet depicts a forest scene featuring an elephant and a monkey. On the right, the elephant stands facing the viewer, turned toward the left, with its trunk raised; on the left, a small monkey sits on a rock and points upward with a gesture. Trees, clouds, and the landscape frame the encounter. The narrative is heightened by the contrast between the large animal figure and the small, active human figure. Delicate, regular lines, tight hatching, and gradations of chiaroscuro give form to the bodies, foliage, and rocks. The foreground is clearly defined, while the background is opened up by looser brushwork. The cartouche bearing the title identifies the sheet as an illustration of a moral fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Elephant; Monkey; Fable; Jupiter; Forest scene; Animals; Book illustration; Cartouche; Landscape; Clouds; Tree; Rock; Trunk; Gesture; Etching; Engraving; Allegory; Animal fable; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 20.6 cm x 13.0 cm (8.1 x 5.1 in), Image: 12.9 cm x 8.3 cm (5.1 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. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. The page edge is slightly dusty.