Unusual offering from the Old World - highly collectible. "Die Durch Theorie erfundene Practic oder Gruendlich-verfasste Reguln deren man sich als einer Anleitung zu beruehmter Kuenstlere Zeichen-Wercken bestens bedienen kann" ( odd Old German vocab..., pre standardising) The title roughly translates " The theory invented by practice based on studies and analysis of the works of a master of painting". ( GOOGLE TRANSLATION CAN'T COPE !) This basic text was reprinted, translated and widely used by student artists for several centuries 4 parts in one volume, a complete drawing course by the very popular artist and Director of the Art Academy of Nuremberg, Germany, Johann Daniel Preissler ( 1666 - 1737): Part 1 - parts of the body published 1783 Part 2 - forms and positions of the whole human body published 1783 Part 3 - full page models of classical and mythological figures, with and without clothing published 1771 Part 4 - proportions and symmetry of the human body from baby/cherub to adult published 1778 69 pages ( the last 6 not attached). Over 30 full-page engravings showing the finished work The book is 38 x 24 x 2 cm. Extensive photos show the illustrations and text and general condition. First few pages have some dark stains and the spine has broken. 6 full-page illustrations from the last part had been separated and folded to fit a frame, but are now back, tho no longer attached to the binding, and have darkened with more exposure to light. No markings in the book, just the signature of owner, dated 1824 ( see photo).

Searching for Preissler J.D. , the Internet Archive from 9 October 2018 shows the first two parts of the volume, page by page, in a slightly better condition. On offer HERE is the COMPLETE WORK. Preissler also collaborated with his son Johann Justin, particularly in Part 4