[Augsburg, the artist and publisher, ca. 1740]. 4to (size ca. 40.0 x 25.0 cm). 16 printed and finely hand-coloured sheets. In modern, black map.

Martin Engelbrecht (1684-1756) and his brother Christian were successful German illustrators and engravers from the Augsburg School at the beginning of the 18th century. Martin Engelbrecht was probably the first to create cards specially designed for miniature theatres, portable dioramas that became highly successful in the second half of the 18th and early part of the 19th centuries, before being replaced by the magic lantern, home film and video, etc. Engelbrecht devoted entire series of these illustrations to the Italian and Chinese theatre. They were, however, also used in scrapbooks. It is rare to see so these original sheets, all, except one, without cutouts. An unusual high number show oriental, mostly Chines people, and scenery. All are in contemporary, if not original, hand-colouring. Most leaves uncut. Two blank leaves present in the rear. Paper strong and clean. Printing and colouring bright and natural. A unique item.