Johann Elias Ridinger

All laid down on old backing sheets which have been laid down on batons for framing All somewhat browned in parts, with some light stains and foxing. Some with minor water stains. Others have some small worm holes near the edges of the sheets. Sold in matching black and gilded frames.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

These 16 remarkable drawings, showing various aspects of the breaking and schooling of horses, are preparatory studies for plates in the celebrated volume of prints, Neue Reit-kunst in kupferstichen.. / L'art de monter à Cheval en tailles douces, published in Augsburg by Jeremias Wolff in 1722.  Following in a tradition of similar works that began with the Duke of Newcastle's groundbreaking 1657 publication, A General System of Horsemanship in All Its Branches ,' the Neue Reit-kunst was an extremely popular and influential publication, in both artistic and equestrian circles.  It consisted of a title page and 21 further plates, engraved by Johann Balthasar Probst or Johann Daniel Hertz after the designs by Ridinger, each plate bearing a title, in both German and French, that clarifies exactly what is happening in the scene.

One of the 16 designs now offered for sale appears to have been rejected;  like the other drawings, it is indented for transfer, but no corresponding print appears in the book.  The remaining 15 were all engraved, in the same direction but often with minor changes in the background and other details; their subjects and titles are as follows:

1       The signed and dated title page. Engraved, with full title, by Probst
2       Das Aussissen / Le Monter a Cheval. (Engraved as pl. 1, by Hertz)
3       Der Schritt / Le Pas (pl. 4, Hertz)
4       Galop / Au Galop (pl. 6, Probst)
5       Zurucke gehen / Reculer (pl. 8, Hertz)
6       Die Pferde zum Schiessen zu gewöhnen / Pour former les Cheveaux à tenir ferme en tyrant (pl. 10, Hertz)
7       Carriera / Passades à toute bride (pl. 11, Hertz)
8       Die Croupe an der Wand / La Croupe à la muraille (pl. 12, Hertz)
9       Changieren / Changer (pl. 14, Probst)
10    Ausschlagen / Rüer (pl. 17, Hertz)
11    Courbetten / Courbettes (pl. 18, Probst)
12    Die Pirouet / La Piroüette (pl. 19, Probst)
13    Croupade / Croupade (pl. 20, Probst)
14    Balotaden / Balotade (pl. 21, Probst)
15    Capriolen / Capriole (pl. 22, Hertz)
16    Not engraved, though figure groups very similar to pl. 13, Passagieren / Passager.