Martin Engelbrecht [Augsburg] (1684-1756)

Martin Engelbrecht [Augsburg] (1684-1756)
'A BALLROOM' c.1750
A fine series depicting a Ballroom. A set of 6 copper engraved card-backed, cut away sheets combining to create an early peep show, [105×142 mm] with original hand-colouring;

The cut aways depict; [1] two classical statues on pedestals of the Greek goddesses Venus and Athena, framing the scene together with a thick and rich curtain, as a theatrical stage; [2] an open round space, articulated by columns and pillars. The central vault is decorated with golden stucco depicting classical sculptures. In the centre of the scene, a woman on the left is looking at a man kneeling in front of another aristocratic man; [3] a great balcony, decorated with vases and plants, divides the scene into two sections. A couple stands in the centre; [4] Sideways, classical architectures in perspective, and two female classical statues on pedestals on each side; [5] a large view of an open round space surrounded by classical columns, in the centre a man sits next to a sculpture of goddess Diana; [6] a perspective view of a garden with fountains and a sequence of arch-shaped hedges highlight the perspective depth of the composition.