Lot 139: Pr. Albrecht Schmidt German Dance of Death Momento Mori Engravings, 18th C.

Two (2) sheets of Albrecht Schmidt (German, fl. 1st half 18th c.) hand-colored Todten Tanz (Dance of Death) or dance macabre allegorical engravings, each with twelve vignettes in three rows of four. Figures that include a queen, king, farmer, Pope, hunter, choir master, doctor, and others all encounter the skeletal figure of death. Sheets numbered 38 and 39, lower margin. German “Todten Tanz” title to number 38 and Latin and German captions throughout. Each sheet with “Albrecht Schmidt exc. a.v.” (Albrecht Schmidt published in Augsburg, Germany [Augusta Vindelicorum]) to lower right margin. Each housed under acrylic in a painted parcel gilt frame, floral finial and tan textile mat. Each sight: 13 3/4 in. H x 18 1/4 in. W. Each frame: 26 1/2 in. H x 28 in. W. First half of 18th century. 

PROVENANCE: The estate of Dr. Michael Spalding, Nashville, TN.

CONDITION: Both sheets with creasing throughout, especially in number 38, plus dampstaining, toning, and surface grime. Number 38 with two horizontal tears without loss along the lower sight edge, each approx. 1 inch long. Sheet 39 with four insect holes along right sight edge. Not examined outside of frames. Both frames with abrasions and losses, especially to corners.