Le Pate d'Anguilles, from "Contes et nouvelles en vers par Jean de La Fontaine. A Paris, de l'imprimerie de P. Didot, l'an III de la République, 1795" 1795

"Le Pate d'Anguilles" is an etching by Jean-Baptiste Patas, a French artist known for his illustrations. This print, created in 1795, depicts a scene from "Contes et nouvelles en vers," a collection of poetry by the esteemed French author Jean de La Fontaine. The print showcases Patas' mastery of detail and his ability to capture the essence of a narrative through his visual representation. The artwork's composition features a group of figures engaged in a lively discussion, their expressions and gestures adding to the dramatic quality of the scene. Patas' use of light and shadow further enhances the emotional depth of the image, creating a sense of intimacy and realism. This print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is a testament to the enduring power of art to convey stories and emotions across generations.