5289 - Störklin, Johann Joseph

Störklin, Johann Joseph Allegory of the Arts (Allegory of the flourishing of the arts during the reign of Elector Carl Theodor of the Palatinate). Copperplate engraving and etching after Nicolas Guibal. 26.8 x 33 cm. 1775. Nagler 4. In 1778, Nicolas Pigage (1723–1796) published the two-volume catalog of the Electoral Picture Gallery in Düsseldorf under the title “La Galerie Electorale De Dusseldorff Ou Catalogue Raisonné ... de cette fameuse Collection,” printed by Christian von Mechel’s publishing house in Basel. For the title page, Nicolas Guibal—who was also from Lunéville and a friend of Pigage’s, and who became court painter to the House of Württemberg in 1755—had already created a first draft in 1774, as well as a preliminary sketch for Bartholomäus Hübner’s copperplate engraving. Our sheet appears to be an earlier state of the copperplate engraving, which here still bears the inscription “Johann Joseph Störcklin” with an earlier date. This inscription seems to have been replaced with Hübner’s signature, and the entire plate was revised and completed. Unfinished proof in an excellent, clear impression with a narrow margin around the plate edge. Slightly dusty and faintly stained, with a thin spot and some nicks, signs of handling; otherwise very well preserved. Very rare. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog.