658 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Monkey*, 1780, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Monkey*, 1780, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Monkey, a fable-like scene featuring a man on a terrace set against a park landscape, 1780, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and nuanced shades of black. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “LE SINGE. Fable CCXXXII.” Date: 1780 Description: Within a rectangular frame, a monkey appears on a stone balustrade, leaning over a man lying on the ground. The naked or scantily clad man is propped up on his elbow and looks up at the animal; the scene appears tense and narratively charged. A large tree frames the picture on the left and at the top, while on the right the space opens out toward a fountain, a terrace, and a distant hilly landscape. Delicate parallel hatching renders the bodies, foliage, and architecture; horizontal lines lend a sense of calm to the sky and ground. Chiaroscuro contrasts draw the eye to the group of figures, whose unusual encounter alludes to a moralizing fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Monkey; Man; Fable; Balustrade; Terrace; Tree; Fountain; Park landscape; Group of figures; Depiction of an animal; Landscape; Architecture; Moral scene; Title cartouche; Hatching; Etching; Engraving; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.8 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Image: 12.8 cm x 8.4 cm (5 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. Discoloration at the bottom left.