667 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), A Gazelle and a Dog in the Woods, 1779, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), A Gazelle and a Dog in the Woods, 1779, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): A gazelle and a dog in the forest A gazelle and a hunting dog in a woodland scene, an illustration for a French fable, 1779, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print with crisp lines and well-defined shades of black. Inscription: Signed in the lower left corner of the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: "LE CORBEAU, LA GAZELLE, LA TORTUE ET LE RAT. à Mde de la Sabliere. Fable CCXXVIII.". Date: 1779 Description: Within a rectangular picture area, a forest scene unfolds featuring a group of animals in vigorous motion. On the right, a gazelle- or deer-like figure, with its head raised and forelegs stretched out, leaps over a panel lying on the ground; on the left, a dog gives chase and lunges after its hind leg. Tree trunks and widely spreading branches frame the scene, while dense foliage and staggered trees create a sense of depth. Delicate parallel hatching and cross-hatching render the ground, fur, and bark; lighter areas set the animal’s body against the darker foreground. The diagonal axis of movement heightens the dramatic, narrative character. At the bottom, an inscribed cartouche complements the depiction. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Forest scene; Gazelle; Deer-like animal; Dog; Pursuit; Fable illustration; Trees; Woodland; Tree trunk; Undergrowth; Animal fight; Landscape; Book illustration; Cartouche; French inscription; Hatching; Printed graphic; Hunting motif; Movement; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.7 cm x 13.1 cm (7.8 x 5.2 in), Illustration: 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. There is some browning along the edges. A few faint mold stains are visible. There is dark discoloration at the bottom left.