(Buchinger, Matthias) | Plays at Skittles! Plays on a Dulcimer! Cups & Balls!

(Buchinger, Matthias)
Autograph calligraphic inscription signed by Buchinger ("Mathew Buchinger") at the foot of an engraved portrait of him

Engraving on paper (298 x 185 mm), a central portrait of Buchinger surrounded by thirteen English-captioned vignettes of Buchinger demonstrating his various skills, London?, early eighteenth century (signed in plate lower right Elias Beck ali: Heldenmuth sculpsit, but likely an English re-engraving), inscribed by Buchinger (variously demonstrating frontward, backward, upside-down, and mirror writing) in the lower margin, Stamford, 1718/9; date somewhat abraded, some fold separations and repairs, some thin spots, trimmed close.

Like the Elias Beck engraving on which it is based, this engraving was evidently sold at Buchinger's performances, with the larger lower margin being available—likely at an additional fee—for a personalized calligraphic inscription by its subject.

The talents of Buchinger illustrated here are not exactly the same as on the earlier Beck engraving. Here he is shown in the lower right image producing live birds from underneath cups rather than creating a whimsey bottle filled with intricately cut "fancies in wood."

Condition Report:
Condition as described in catalogue entry.

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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.