Ridinger, Johann Elias (Ulm 1698 – Augsburg 1767). Wild Ducks, stalked by Wild Cats and Foxes. 2 Sheets. Etchings with engraving by Martin Elias Ridinger (1730 Augsburg 1780). Inscribed: Johann El. Ridinger inv. et del. 1762. / Martin El. Ridinger sculps. 1770. Aug. Vind. 36.5 x 26.8 cm.

Thienemann + Schwarz 389-390; Weigel XXVIII, 22, A (of A-B); Silesian Ridinger collection at Boerner XXXIX, 1889/90 ( “Very rare”, thereof the latter “Without platemark, mounted”, 1885! ); Coppenrath Collection 1547 ( “Rare sheets”, 1889/90! ); Reich auf Biehla Collection 130 ( “Rare”, 1894! ); Helbing, (Ridinger) Catalogue XXXIV, 906 ( “Small set of 2 sheet” , available in just one copy ); Schwerdt III, 140, b; Nagler 64.

Comp. the drawings in reverse previously in the collection W. P. Knowles, Rotterdam and Wiesbaden (Lugt 2643), in Augsburg, Ridinger Exhibition Catalogue 1967, nos. 72 f. and Biedermann, Meisterzeichnungen des Deutschen Barock, 1987, nos. 164 f. with full-page illustrations. There both the two printing plates, too, before in Ridinger Catalogue Niemeyer, 1998, no. 52 with colour ills.

Impression  before  removal of signature and the 12-liner by Brockes as subtext as otherwise, however, here also not become known hitherto. On the printing-plates passed through here both were found ground out for unknown reason and with leaving behind of clear traces; thus in parallel to Th. 91.

For Thienemann and Schwerdt to be reckoned among the preceding set of “Special Events and Incidents at the Hunt” ( “The rarest set of Ridinger’s sporting line engravings” ), the

extraordinarily  charming  pendants

belong to the little what was still missing in the Ridinger collection of Counts Faber-Castell, uniting nearly the complete Thienemann stock and dissolved in 1958. And thus it is not just that

“ The  wild  duck  is  for  a  grandseigneur /
Not  just  for  amusement. The  fox  hunts  for  it  with  pleasure , too  … ”

This set for itself is to be hunted down by collectors with patience. As solitary item here available again for the first time since 1978.
Offer no. 13,006 / EUR  1176. / export price EUR  1117. (c. US$ 1449.) + shipping

“ Many thanks for your message. Thank you very much for sending the (Anthonie) Waterloo … I am grateful to you for the opportunity to buy the etching. It was interesting to learn about its provenance … The Waterloo etching arrived safely today, beautifully wrapped. Thank you very much indeed ”

(Mr. M. L., April 24 and 29 resp. and May 6, 2003)