663 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Fox and the Turkeys*, 1780, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Fox and the Turkeys*, 1780, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Fox and the Turkeys: A fox under a tree with turkeys, depicted as a fable scene, 1780, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear detail and well-balanced black levels. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.” At the bottom, inscribed in the printing plate: “LE RENARD ET LES POULETS D’INDE. Fable CCXXXI.” Date: 1780 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, a large tree stands on the right, with three turkeys perched on its branches. In the lower left, a fox approaches with its head raised and its muzzle open; on the right, another animal, apparently killed, lies on the ground. In the background, simple houses appear beneath the moon and clouds. The composition clearly distinguishes between the action in the foreground, the architecture in the middle ground, and the flat sky. Delicate, even hatching renders the plumage, fur, bark, and masonry. The visual flow connects the fox with the birds in the branches and highlights the narrative tension of a fable-like scene involving threat, cunning, and prey. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Fox; Turkeys; Tree; Village; Houses; Moon; Fable; Animal scene; Hunt; Threat; Book illustration; Engraving; Hatching; Plumage; Nocturne; Animal fable; Rural scene; Prey; Title cartouche; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 20.8 cm x 13.4 cm (8.2 x 5.3 in), Image: 12.9 cm x 8.4 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. Slight browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. Slightly creased along the right margin of the sheet. The top right corner of the sheet is creased and bumped.