660 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Raven, Gazelle, Tortoise, and Rat, 1780, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), Raven, Gazelle, Tortoise, and Rat, 1780, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): Raven, gazelle, tortoise, and rat. An animal fable set in a woodland scene featuring a raven, a gazelle, a tortoise, and a rat, 1780, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp, well-defined lines and a well-balanced black tone. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: "LE CORBEAU, LA GAZELLE, LA TORTUE ET LE RAT. a Mde de la Sabliere. Fab. CCXXVIII. 3e Pl.". Date: 1780 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, a wooded landscape unfolds, with a strongly emphasized group of trees in the foreground. A large, diagonally ascending tree trunk on the left frames the scene; in the middle ground, a gazelle leaps to the right, while above it a raven flies with its head bowed. At the bottom lie a tortoise on its back and a rat hurrying toward it. Delicate parallel and intersecting hatching renders the ground, foliage, and sky; darker areas are concentrated on the tree trunk and the copse, while the distance remains lighter. The composition combines depictions of animals with narrative elements and, through the caption, alludes to a literary fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Forest landscape; Tree; Raven; Gazelle; Turtle; Rat; Animal fable; La Fontaine; Book illustration; Landscape; Forest tree; Flight; Leap; Hatching; Image title; French caption; Engraving; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.7 cm x 12.8 cm (7.8 x 5 in), Illustration: 13.2 cm x 8.4 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 are slightly bumped. Slight browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. Discoloration at the bottom left.