c.1840 German Friendship Album with Fine Original Artwork, Hidden Compartment
Germany: 1838-1844. A particularly attractive German friendship album, with eighteen (18) entries on loose leaves ranging in date from 1838 to 1844. Locations include Dresden and Oberneuschonberg. There is one example of lace paper, and four examples of original artwork, including two watercolors of stones against a forest background, and a motto penned inside a sheet hanging from two trees. The most accomplished artwork is the 4" by 6.5" illustration of a pastoral scene showing a hiker admiring the view from a waterfall with a classical rotunda atop a hill. It has been rendered in pen and watercolors and serves as the cover for the rest of the leaves inside the box. Interestingly, a message or name has been penned inside a cartouche at the foot, but it has been sometime rubbed out by the owner (or perhaps a later owner?). All entries housed in the original green decorated paper box, all edges gilt, measuring approx. 5" by 7.75" by 1". The highlight of the object is, however, hidden from sight: when the codex is opened from the opposite direction, a hidden compartment is revealed with one last entry dated 20 July, 1844, and signed Laura Therese Ulbricht. It also has a small dried bouquet of moss and silk flowers secure to the bottom. Very good. Rubbing and wear to extremities. Light toning, spotting, minor dust soiling.
Price: $750.00
Item #20135729