“ A Peerless Group of Bears ”
Ridinger, Johann Elias (Ulm 1698 – Augsburg 1767). Les Ours ont 2. rarement 3. petis, deviennent grands a l’age de 5. ans et vivent a 20. ans et plus. The Bears have Two, rarely 3 Cubs; reach their Size in the 5th Year; live more than 20 Years. 7-headed extended family “on and under or beside rocks” in full action with both the two mothers, supported by their each two cubs, squabbling with each other, while the master of the grotto is not concerned by all that. Etching and engraving. (1736.) Inscribed: 31. / Cum Priv. Sac. Cæs. Majest. / I. El. Ridinger invent. delin. sculps. et excud. Aug. Vind., otherwise as above in German, French, Latin, & below. 34.6 x 42.8 cm.
Thienemann + Schwarz 226. – Sheet 31 of the STUDY OF THE WILD ANIMALS with the subtext of the Hamburg pope of poets, jurist & senator, foremost, however, friend of Ridinger’s, Barthold Heinrich Brockes (1680-1747), in German. – With WANGEN watermark as so characteristic for contemp. impressions. – Margins on three sides 3.7-4.9, above 3.2 cm wide. – The utterly smoothed centerfold reinforced on the back. Small margin tear and minimal tear off backed acid-freely.
“ … and though the one is almost buried by the slumber in a big sleep ; so one still dreads his awaking . But wit ! They are only painted … Come let us inspect color and form ! … The measure also in such clumsy limbs , a sort of generosity in the spirit , as he , not provoked , not easily does harm to man nor lacerates … even more : the hide warming us , by which he is useful for us in winter , are examples of a wise Creation … ”
The quite singularly charming sujet
of shining-marvelous quality & raised rarity ,
for even in exemplary old Ridinger collections the old impressions of particularly this so fine large-sized main set frequently figure as closely trimmed, damaged, and fully mounted, while Reich auf Biehla (1894) could obtain this sheet only as new impression of about 1850 & Coppenrath 1889 not at all.
Offer no. 15,426 / EUR 1250. / export price EUR 1188. (c. US$ 1618.) + shipping
– – – The same. Margins on three sides 2.6-3.5, on the right 4.6 cm wide. – Backed tear in the lower margin extending up to the platemark with trace of old adhesive tape on the back. In the foliage on the left small worm-hole. On the back scribbles by a collector’s grandson. – Of likewise shining-marvelous quality and therefore rarity.
Offer no. 15,596 / EUR 1250. / export price EUR 1188. (c. US$ 1618.) + shipping
“ this is to let you know that the book has arrived in excellent shape, and that I am delighted to have it ”
(Mr. P. M., April 30, 2003)