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"Bilderbuch zum Nutzen und Vergnügen der Jugendil"
By F.J.Bertuch
Description of the work.
We are currently offering a selection of rare prints from the "Bilderbuch zum Nutzen und Vergnügen der Jugend" published in Weimar from 1790 to 1810 with 1187 hand colored large 4to prints after drawings of some of the most important artists of the times including Bloch, Jablonsky, J. F. Sickler, Esper, Bernhardi.
In the preface of his monumental work Bertuch wrote that the drawings were "well and truly drawn ... because nothing is more important than that right from the beginning the eye of the readers becomes accustomed to an accurate depiction of things."
The colorful images - featuring rare and unusual phenomena wherever possible - were scientifically accurate and sophisticated in their composition and execution.
The images were copper engraved and the plates - with beautifully hand colored bright large illustrations - depict insects, birds, plants, flowers, fruits, minerals, costumes and many different informative illustration from the realm of nature, the arts and sciences.
The condition of these prints is remarkable for a work that is about 200 years old, with strong plate marks. There is little or no foxing, with characteristic strong plate marks on contemporary white paper. These prints are on superb watermarked paper that is in pristine conditions, each with parallel French and German text.
Each print in quarto edition measure approximately 7” 3/4 by 9” 3/4 (20 by 25 cm).
All our prints are authentic hand colored antique prints.
We describe all items as accurately as possible with any condition exceptions noted. Please use your judgement to confirm our accuracy and take into consideration that unless otherwise stated, these items are used. Please make careful decisions before bidding and email us with any questions.
Biography of the Artist.
Fredrich
Justin Bertuch (1747 – 1822)
Born in Weimar (Germany) in 1747, Bertuch a was a successful entrepreneur, artist and prolific author. He was the son of a skilled physician and at the age of 15 he became orphan. He lived with his uncle who provide him an education in theology and law. He learned Spanish and translated Don Quixote into German, and tried his hand at writing. In Weimar Bertuch met and made friends with J.W. Goethe.
In 1774 Bertuch founded a drawing school, and in 1780 he founded a factory for artificial flowers in order to give "unfortunate unemployed girls of the middle class a wholesome occupation." One of those girls -- Christiane Vulpius, later became Goethe's wife. Later he launched a fashion magazines with which he could also advertise the products of his factories. Bertuch became the largest employer in Weimar. Bertuch also established a cottage industry - the "Industrie Comptoir" - which was intended as a trading house to give local manufacturers, artists and handwokers a place to show their wares.
In 1790, Bertuch began his major publishing project-- the first pictorial encyclopedia a 12 - volume work with vibrant illustrations.
Bibliography Reference: Nissen 341. Wegehaupt I, 136.