(Buchinger, Matthias) | A rival to Buchinger?

(Buchinger, Matthias)

Engraved portrait of Buchinger, captioned "Matthew Buckinger." [English, late eighteenth–early nineteenth century]

Engraving on paper (274 x 184 mm); lightly foxed, corners lightly stained from adhesive. Tipped to an album leaf with a mid-eighteenth–century clipping (53 x 82 mm).

The clipping paired with the engraving of Buchinger promotes the engagement of another talented performer with phocomelia, who the original compiler evidently confused with Buchinger. However, while the "Wonderful young Man" described in the clipping, and who was to be seen "in a commodious Room at the Golden Cross," does indeed write, draw, deal, and play cards "much better than … any one can with their Hands," this artist used his mouth to accomplish his feats.