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'Allegory of the Ages' by Johanne Elias Ridinger. Inscribed: Joh. El. Ridinger exc. Aug. Vind. Appears to be mezzotint and etching. Very rare memento mori print. #1429 in George Thienemann's 1856 catalogue of Ridinger's work. Undated, though circa 1760. Untitled, though I have seen the work referred to as "Allegory of the Ages", a counterpart to Ridinger's 'The Great Dance of Death' (Thienemman #1428). Sheet measures 75 x 56 cm, image area measures 65.2 x 47.9 cm. Sheet discoloured, stained and foxed with crease to centre and lower right corner. Edge tears plus graze with tear to first medallion. Original margins. Displays well. (please see images). Paper thin & pliable enough to be rolled and posted in a large 6 inch diameter thick walled postal tube. Image to centre of winged death covered by a tattered shroud with half-eaten abdomen, carrying a scythe in one hand and an hourglass in the other. He stands on an opened bag of gold, with various emblems, crowns, medals and implements strewn around at his feet. On the left a monumental ossuary with a pyramid of skulls, in the background two riders, one of whom blows a trumpet whilst the other beats a drum.Around this central panel are 10 medallions with German & French inscriptions. Richly decorated double shield to bottom centre with following (roughly translated) inscription: Pride is reflected in this. Ambition, look closely at this picture. You also have arrogance. See what your reward will be in the end. Your vices burden you. This is a telling example, young and old, rich or poor. Here you can see what man is by nature. Wisdom, folly and happiness finally cease after a time and are turned into such an image that no one wants to see. Johann Elias Ridinger (1698, Ulm ~1767, Augsburg) was a German painter, engraver, draughtsman and publisher. He is considered one of the most famous German engravers of animals, particularly horses, hounds and hunting scenes. Father of Johann Jakob Ridinger (1736-1784) and Martin Elias Riedinger (1730-1780). Ridinger began his training in Ulm with the painter Christoph Resch (1701?16), and later studied under Johann Falch (1687?1727) in Augsburg. He learned the art of engraving from Georg Philipp Rugendas. He later founded his own art publishing house in Augsburg, where most of his works appeared. In 1759 he became the director of the Augsburg Stadtakademie. His drawings were often executed with precision and taste and hence his work was held in high esteem and was also transferred to porcelain and ceramics etc. ----- As it is sometimes difficult to properly judge the look and/or condition of an item from the photos and description alone, please feel free to bid or buy knowing that you can return the item post free if you are not entirely pleased with your purchase. Combined shipping available at cost. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Welsh Bridge Books & Collectables is a bricks and mortar shop located alongside the River Severn at Shrewsbury, in a beautiful 16th Century building housing three floors of interesting and eclectic books and collectables for sale. If you're in Shropshire please pop by and say hello! Thank you. Seller Inventory # 001093
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