Artwork
A Magnificent Stag in a Landscape
A Magnificent Stag in a Landscape is an ink print by the Baroque artist Johann Elias Ridinger. It dates from 1735 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Magnificent Stag in a Landscape is a print created by Johann Elias Ridinger in 1735, combining etching and engraving techniques on laid paper. The work showcases Ridinger's skill in blending detailed animal subjects with natural landscapes.
Subject & Meaning
The print features a prominent stag standing in a field, set against a backdrop of trees. The emphasis on the stag's fur and the foliage suggests a focus on meticulous natural representation, characteristic of Ridinger's animal and hunting-themed oeuvre.
Technique & Style
Ridinger employed etching and engraving to achieve precise lines and detailed imagery. The interplay between these techniques allowed for the capturing of intricate textures, such as the stag's fur and the leaves of the trees.
History & Provenance
While specific provenance details for this print are not provided, its creation in 1735 places it within Ridinger's active period. His designs also appeared on Meissen porcelain, indicating a broader artistic impact beyond printmaking.
Context
This work reflects Ridinger's contribution to 18th-century German art, where his animal subjects and hunting scenes were highly regarded. The print's technique and subject matter situate it within the era's appreciation for detailed naturalistic representations.
Legacy
A Magnificent Stag in a Landscape contributes to Ridinger's legacy as a versatile artist influencing various mediums in 18th-century Germany, from printmaking to porcelain design, with his precise and detailed artistic style.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Elias Ridinger (16 February 1698 in Ulm – 10 April 1767 in Augsburg) was a German painter, engraver, draughtsman and publisher.
