Buchinger, Matthew

Highly decorative micrographic writing in French in the form of a chalice and tablet  made up of  extensive religious text, including the Lord's Prayer, Apostle's Creed, Ten Commandments and chapters one through twenty-five of the Gospel according to John



Pen and ink on vellum (4 1/4 x 2 3/4 in.; 109 x 71mm).  [France, late seventeenth or early eighteenth century]

Little Man from Nuremberg. Born on 3 June 1673 without hands or legs, Matthew Buchinger became an accomplished artist, musician and magician. He demonstrated his accomplishments at many courts and became known as the  "Little Man from Nuremberg." Before becoming an entertainer and portraitist in the Court of King George, the artist sought fame and fortune in France. He used a Gallicized version of his German name, Matthias Buckinger, and was known as Mathieu Bouchingre. It was during his time in France that he executed the present work.

The diminutive manuscript is comprised of Christian texts and prayers in micrographic writing arranged in a highly decorative  design replete with floral arabesques and curlicues. The circle near the top of the design is made of the Lord's Prayer. The Apostle's Creed forms the chalice with the Ten Commandments may be found within the tablet beneath the chalice.The Gospel according to John, chapters one through twenty-five are in the form of decorative symmetrical arabesques surrounding the circle, chalice and tablet forms. At the foot of the manuscript, Buchinger adds two biographical lines in French which translate to read: "This was written with a quill by me, Mathieu Bouchingre of the German nation, who came into the world without feet or hands."

An extraordinary example of Buchinger's great artistic talent and dexterity despite his disability.