672 - R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Girls from Minée*, 1781, etching

R. VINKELES (1741–1816), *The Girls from Minée*, 1781, etching Reinier Vinkeles (1741, Amsterdam – 1816, ibid.): The Girls from Minée *Les filles de Minée*, a mythological scene of transformation set within an architectural interior, 1781, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines and nuanced shades of black. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “Vinkeles, del. et sculp.”; inscribed in the printing plate at the bottom: “LES FILLES DE MINÉE. Fable CCXLII.” Date: 1781 Description: In a high-ceilinged interior with pillars, vaults, and a side opening, an overturned wicker chair, cloths, a spindle, and other implements lie scattered on the floor. Above them, three bat-like creatures with human-like heads flutter about; their outstretched wings and raised limbs enliven the upper part of the picture. A table draped with fabric stands to the left of center. The scene is rendered dark through dense cross-hatching, while the opening and light on the floor provide contrast. The viewer’s gaze rises from the abandoned objects in the foreground to the transformed figures. The interplay of architecture, emptiness, and movement heightens the dramatic, moralizing narrative character. Source: Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) *Fables choisies*, 1802 | Book, Mythology, Genre, Fashion Keywords: Interior; Architecture; Pillar Hall; Vault; Bats; Transformation; Fable; Mythology; Spindle; Cloth; Table; Chair; Tools; Shadow; Flight; Book illustration; Engraving; Inscription; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 19.5 cm x 12.8 cm (7.7 x 5 in), Illustration: 13.2 cm x 8.6 cm (5.2 x 3.4 in) Condition: Good condition. Overall, in good condition for its age and well preserved. Puncture marks from an old binding are visible along the side of the page. The corners of the sheet are slightly bumped. There is some browning along the edges. Water stains are visible across the entire sheet. The bottom right-hand corner of the sheet is slightly creased.