Verschillende dieren, mogelijk uit de fabels door Jean de la Fontaine Possibly 1864 - 1866

Firmin Gillot created this animal study, possibly inspired by Jean de la Fontaine's fables, using an etching technique, sometime between 1820 and 1872. The composition is a fascinating array of vignettes, each depicting different animals in varying scenarios, creating a lively visual field across the page. Gillot’s focus is on capturing the essence of each animal through line and form. The stark contrast of the etching emphasizes the texture of fur, feathers, and the surrounding environments. We observe dogs, cats, chickens, and other creatures, each rendered with a keen eye for detail, yet the overall effect is one of structural exploration. The animals are placed together almost like in a scientific taxonomy, yet the scenes are evocative of narrative fragments. The arrangement invites us to consider how Gillot uses this format to engage with the tradition of animal fables, blending observation with symbolic representation. This interplay challenges us to find meaning in the relations between the different scenes, and in the broader cultural associations these animals carry.