661 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Woodcutter in the Forest, 1780, Etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), The Woodcutter in the Forest, 1780, Etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Woodcutter in the Forest (La Forêt et le Bucheron): A woodcutter with an axe in a dense forest landscape, 1780, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom of the printing plate: “LA FORÊT ET LE BUCHERON. Fable CCXXIX.” Date: 1780 Description: A man in short, belted work clothes is raising his axe to strike a tree. He stands in the foreground on the right, his weight shifted onto one leg, his upper body turned, his gaze fixed on the trunk. His facial expression shows concentration; his gesture is energetic. Dense trees frame the scene, creating a deep forest setting with a patch of bright light in the background. Delicate parallel hatching and cross-hatching render the trunks, foliage, and ground. Figure and ground are closely interwoven; the composition leads diagonally from the towering trees on the left to the figure in action on the right. The caption refers to a scene from a fable. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Forest; Lumberjack; Axe; Tree; Fable; Book illustration; Landscape; Worker; Forest; Foliage; Tree trunks; Hatching; Title cartouche; Single-sheet print; Figure in the forest; 18th century; French text; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 20.9 cm x 13.0 cm (8.2 x 5.1 in), Image: 13.3 cm x 8.5 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.