Hand-coloured engravings  c. 1730

Plates 368 x 224mm Sheets: 300 x 195 mm

On handmade-laid paper from Martin Engelbrecht's Assemblage nouveau de Manouvries habilles: Neu-Eröffnete Samlung der mit irhren eignen Arbeiten un Werckzeugen eingekleideten Künstlern, Handwerckern und Professionen, published in Augsberg. These fantastic trade costume personifications depict merchants and workers composed of the objects and tools of their trades. Inspired by Archimboldo in the 16th century in Italy and following on from L'Armessin of the 17th century in France, Engelbrecht illustrates both husband and wife as assemblages of items used or produced in each occupation. Here we see the masked puppeteer character displaying his wares while his wife holds and wears dolls' bodies and votive figures.

Provenance: From the collection of the rare book dealer, Justin Schiller.

Original and stunning period caricatures in excellent condition, such as these from this series, are extremely rare.

Sold Unframed. Please contact us if you would like us to arrange framing.