Johann Elias Ridinger (Ulm 1698 – Augsburg 1767). A Lion of Light Color. “A fine male of the common lion stands majestically on a killed wild boar” (Th.). Before palm and shrubbery scenery. Colored etching with engraving. Inscribed: LEO, COLORE LUCIDO. / Ein Löwe von heller Farbe / Un Lion d’une couleur claire. / Familia IV. Fünffzähige. / J. El. Ridinger sculps. et exc. A. V. 12⅛ × 8⅛ in (30.9 × 20.6 cm).

Thienemann & appendix page 299; Schwarz 1076. – IN THE RIDINGERS’ ORIGINAL COLORING from the unnumbered Colored Animal Kingdom created since 1754 and concluded finally posthumously not before 1773 (“Complete copies are next to untraceable”, so Weigel, Art Cat., sect. XXVIII, Ridinger Appendix 63a as merely 120-sheet torso, 1857 ! , but also just individual plates quite rarely on the market only) as then already Thienemann could add present sheet in its first edition as here only per appendix, “because I do not have the sheet”. – Remaining uncolored contrary to the prospectus, a second edition from the plates shortened even under loss of animals and with modified titling and the Ridinger inscription removed, yet now numbered, was published by Engelbrecht/Herzberg in Augsburg 1824/25.

Two sketches in black chalk – on both sides of 1 sheet – in reverse were found in a sketchbook the master had presented to a friend on Christmas Eve 1766, yet was pulled apart 1979 by inconsiderate dealer’s hand of otherwise first address and are now available here. Research here led through 1976 and magnificent provenances of 1895 & 1869 back to the master himself.

On C & I Honig paper as that sturdy Dutch quality paper Ridinger used in line with his preamble to the Principal Colors of Horses

“on account of the fine illumination” for the colored works

“as for this purpose it is the most decent and best”. – Margins on three sides 1.9-3.3 cm, below 5.2 cm wide. – Lower 9 cm on the back with partial faint, reddishly discolored tidemark, showing through to the front only slightly obtrusively in the text/paper field.

Offer no. 15,987 | price on application

Sketch in reverse to Th. 1076

– – – along with aforementioned sketch sheet

Offer no. 16,013 | price on application