- 184
Ridinger, Johann Elias
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description
- Ridinger, Johann Elias
- Autograph letter signed ("Johann Elias Ridinger[paraph]"), to the engraver J.G. Wille in Paris, his seal possibly showing a self-portrait of the artist
- paper
ABOUT THE STATE OF THE ARTS IN GERMANY, observing that his countrymen are not lacking in understanding and desire, but probably in genius, on account of the fact that they do not receive solid instruction in their youth, SENDING HIM TWO DRAWINGS FROM HIS COLLECTION, one being from the estate of Benedetto Luti, AND ONE OF HIS WORKS; in the letter Ridinger also discusses at length G.C. Kilian's biography of him, which he finds exaggerated, modestly taking exception to a passage where he is described as an artist without equal in Italy, France or Germany
...Herr Kilian hat mich über Maenner gestellet Deren Verdienste ungemein grösser als die meinigen seyn wenigstens ersuche ich Sie angelendlichst die passage weg zu lassen NB. wo er schreibt - Eines Künstlers welchen Italien Franckreich und Deutschland ---- auf solche arth nicht aufweisen können...
3 pages, 4to (23.2 x 18.6cm), Augsburg, 21 June 1765, seal tear, traces of mount to recto of first leaf and verso of integral
...Herr Kilian hat mich über Maenner gestellet Deren Verdienste ungemein grösser als die meinigen seyn wenigstens ersuche ich Sie angelendlichst die passage weg zu lassen NB. wo er schreibt - Eines Künstlers welchen Italien Franckreich und Deutschland ---- auf solche arth nicht aufweisen können...
3 pages, 4to (23.2 x 18.6cm), Augsburg, 21 June 1765, seal tear, traces of mount to recto of first leaf and verso of integral
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
WE HAVE NOT TRACED ANY AUTOGRAPH LETTERS BY THE CELEBRATED GERMAN ARTIST AT AUCTION.
This is a remarkable, closely-written letter in which Ridinger discusses at length the contemporary state of the arts in Germany, provides information about two drawings in his collection, one by the Italian painter Benedetto Luti (1666-1724), and takes issue with a contemporary account of his achievement by the engraver and biographer Georg Christoph Kilian (1709-1781). In addition, the well-preserved seal would appear to contain a hitherto possibly unknown portrait of the artist.