THE MESSEL ENGELBRECHT PEEP SHOW:A RARE NORTH EUROPEAN POLYCHROME-DECORATED LARGE PEEP SHOW BOX WITH SIX HAND-COLOURED ENGRAVED SLIDES
THE SLIDES ATTRIBUTED TO MARTIN ENGELBRECHT, CIRCA 1720-50
Important information about this lot
Price Realised GBP 4,000
Estimate
GBP 3,000 - GBP 5,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
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THE MESSEL ENGELBRECHT PEEP SHOW:A RARE NORTH EUROPEAN POLYCHROME-DECORATED LARGE PEEP SHOW BOX WITH SIX HAND-COLOURED ENGRAVED SLIDES
THE SLIDES ATTRIBUTED TO MARTIN ENGELBRECHT, CIRCA 1720-50
Martin Engelbrecht (1684-1756) was a celebrated German baroque engraver and publisher, based in Augsburg. The son of a colour merchant, he began his career as an artist for a local publishing house before moving to Berlin where he worked on many decorative arts commissions, but realising his illustrations and publications were the most economically viable career option. In 1719 his brother Christian (1672-1732) and Martin established their own publishing house, where they also experimented with peepshows, such as the present lot, at the time a novel and uncompetitive market.
Peepshows developed in the late 18th century, inspired by the Baroque stage sets where the décor was decorated onto a series of parallel planes that moved along specially constructed grooves in the stage. The Victoria and Albert Museum holds several perspective views published by Englebrecht (see nos. W.37-1939, 38041006200448 and E.592:6-2009)
For another set of ‘Engelbrechts’ depicting hunting scenes and formerly in the collection of H.R.H. the Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester see Bibliothèque Marc Litzler; sold Christie’s, Paris, 20 February 2019, lot 48 (€7,500, including premium).
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THE SLIDES ATTRIBUTED TO MARTIN ENGELBRECHT, CIRCA 1720-50THE MESSEL ENGELBRECHT PEEP SHOW:A RARE NORTH EUROPEAN POLYCHROME-DECORATED LARGE PEEP SHOW BOX WITH SIX HAND-COLOURED ENGRAVED SLIDES Estimate: GBP 3,000 - 5,000
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The case in overall fairly good condition. The decoration rubbed in places, and inevtiably with some redecoration, as to be expected. Some shrinkage to the front in places. The catches to the lidded back cupboard door require securing - as they do not match up. The back edge on both sides with glue residue, probably from a previous 'black out' device.
The slides have been cut historically and stuck to acidic mounting board, which would benefit from removal. Some losses to the delicate areas of cut out. Some blackening to the reverse of the slides probably from heat damage. Some foxing and degridation to the printing overall.
Fitted for electricity previously: Electrical components appear to be complete but must be reconditioned prior to use, regardless of whether the lot is shown lit or in working condition in the catalogue. We strongly advise that the item is reconditioned by an appropriately qualified electrician prior to any intended use.
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Lot 20Sale 19648
THE SLIDES ATTRIBUTED TO MARTIN ENGELBRECHT, CIRCA 1720-50THE MESSEL ENGELBRECHT PEEP SHOW:A RARE NORTH EUROPEAN POLYCHROME-DECORATED LARGE PEEP SHOW BOX WITH SIX HAND-COLOURED ENGRAVED SLIDES Estimate: GBP 3,000 - 5,000
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