439 - Johann Elias Ridinger (Ulm, 1698 – Augsburg, 1767), Suite of 12 Plates: Paradise, or The Creation and the Fall of Man.

Johann Elias Ridinger (Ulm, 1698 – Augsburg, 1767), Suite of 12 Plates: Paradise, or The Creation and the Fall of Man. Engraving on laid paper. (c. 1750). Each plate measures c. 35 x 51.5 cm; each sheet measures c. 43 x 59 cm. Each sheet inscribed with a Bible quote and “Ioh. Elias Ridinger invenit fec. et excud. A V.” Titles and captions in German, French, and Latin in the lower margin. In the original half-calf binding. Thienemann 807–818. Provenance: Kupferstichkabinett, Kunstmuseum Basel, with its collection stamps on the reverse (Lugt 5902 and 222b); Ulrich and Inge von Kritter, with their ex-libris affixed to the inside cover of the portfolio. Fine, strong impressions with good contrast and wide margins. The artist had already begun making studies for these compositions in 1722, continued to revise them over the following years, and appears to have finalized them only around 1746, as evidenced by drawings found in his estate. – The paper is somewhat toned with age, with faint foxing and occasional small stains. There are handling creases and a few tears in the margins, some of which have been repaired. Two sheets have the upper and lower left corners skillfully repaired. Otherwise in good condition. Very rare as a complete set. Taxation: subject to differential taxation (VAT: Margin Scheme).