Martin Engelbrecht [Augsburg] (1684-1756)

Martin Engelbrecht [Augsburg] (1684-1756)
'FENCING SCHOOL' c.1750
A series depicting a Fencing School set in a garden. A set of 6 copper engraved card-backed, cut away sheets combining to create an early peep show, some minor losses to card [105×142 mm] with original hand-colouring;

The cut aways depict; [1] the entrance way flanked with baroque columns, to the right a drummer and a flutist; [2] two pairs of swordsmen, one pair with foils, the other pair with sabres looked on from baroque decorated viewing booths by spectators, [3] a similar scene with a pair fighting with long polls; [4] another similar scene of a pair with epées. Inscribed lower margin 'C.P. Maj ... EE... M. Eng. exc. A.V' ; [5] a referee and two sportsmen beginning a contest; [6] the back scene with a three-tier fountain enclosed by a covered walkway and two groups of gentlemen engaged in conversation.