671 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Cat and the Mouse in the Attic*, 1778, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Cat and the Mouse in the Attic*, 1778, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741 Amsterdam – 1816 ibid.): Cats and a Mouse in the Attic. Two cats are cornering a mouse in an attic full of books, with a caption from a fable, 1778, etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines and beautifully graded shades of gray. Inscription: Signed in the lower left on the printing plate: "Vinkeles, del. et sculp.". At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: “LA QUERELLE DES CHIENS ET DES CHATS, ET CELLE DES CHATS ET DES SOURIS. Fab: CCXI. 2e Pl.” Date: 1778 Description: In an attic-like interior with sloping beams and a small opening to the outside, two cats face each other tensely on the floor. Both are crouched low, with raised tails and paws stretched forward, as if they were chasing or cornering a small mouse between them. To the left stands a rectangular box; in front of it lie open and crumpled sheets of paper or books. Chimneys and the sky are visible through the opening in the roof. The composition is strictly framed; diagonal beams structure the space. Delicate hatching renders the fur, brickwork, and areas of shadow. The print combines animal observation with the iconography of moralizing fables and emphasizes the dynamic relationship between figure and ground. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Cats; Mouse; Attic; Interior; Beams; Roof truss; Books; Sheets of paper; Animal fight; Fable; Chimneys; Window opening; Etching; Hatching; Shadows; Depiction of animals; Genre; French inscription; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 20.8 cm x 13.3 cm (8.2 x 5.2 in), Illustration: 13.1 cm x 8.3 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. The right-hand margin of the sheet is wavy and bumped.