Geissler, Pallas Collection/ moving rural encampment (Aul) of Tartaren in Nagays Steppe /Original Copper Engraving 1794
The impelling impetus of the copper engraving was a view of nomad’s everyday life in the time of Pallas’ expedition in South Russia. The subject represents the nomad’s moving village (Aul). The description of design is the follow «Plate VI. A rural encampment, or what is by the natives called, Aul, of the Kundure Tartars, who lead a wandering life on the banks of the Akhtouba: where the huts are alternately constructed in the Tartar and Kalmuk manner; the former of which are placed entire on two wheeled chariors, and the latter may be disjoined or taken to pieces. At the fame time, there is a representation of the covered chariots exclusively devoted to females; and, in the background, of the sepulchral monuments erected by the Nagays.»
The illustration is for Pallas book pp. 173-174 «The Kundure Tartars, whom I formerly found in their peculiar felt-tents, in the form of baskets, which could not be taken to pieces, but were placed on poles supported by two-wheeled carriages, had now begun to dwell in huts similar to those of the Kirghis. Their former method of the constructing tents was likewise common among the Nagays ….»
Artist’s Main Features: Born in Leipzig Germany Christian Gottfried Heinrich Geissler (1770-1844) was a professional German engraver and book decorator. He was a famous Chronicler of his native city in the time of war with Napoleon (1806–1813). In the 1790th he was working in Russia as a teacher of drawing. He took place as an engraver in Pallas expedition in the South Russia in the years 1793-1794.
Epoche//Age: #1794
Medium: #copper engraving
Location: #South Russia
Originality: # The same wood engraving, but coloured one could find in the book Peter Simon Pallas: Bemerkungen auf einer Reise in die südlichen Statthalterschaften des russischen Reichs in den Jahren 1793 und 1794. (2 Bände), Gottfried Martini, Leipzig 1799 (translate on English : Travels through the southern Provinces of the Russian Empire, in the years 1793 and 1794. John Stockdale, London 1812) – with 121 coloured copper engravings of Geissler, Christian Gottfried Heinrich. It is design No. VI.
But this design is not coloured and has a description on German language
Ein wanderndes Dorflager (Aul) der Kundorofskischen Tataren in der Nogayischen Steppe
It seems to be used as an illustration for another unknown for me book written by Pallas or Geissler himself.
Condition (Please study images carefully):
In general, one seems to appreciate the whole condition of the copper engraving as a corresponding one for its age from the year 1794. The handmade paper has shabbiness on corners but no traces of restoration. There are no outside writings and printings on the front and the back. There are only small stains on the front or on the back. There are some creases and bends with tears or pinholes. There is a loss of the smallest part of the right-down corner.
Size (in mm):
The overall size is ca. 310 x 195
The image size is ca. 290 x 120
Size (in inches):
The overall size is ca. 12.2 x 7.5
The image size is ca. 11.1 x 4.9