Johann Friedrich Leybold (1755 Stuttgart - 1838 Vienna) after a drawing by Heinrich Friedrich Fuger (1751 Heilbronn - 1818 Vienna). Klopstock's Messias, Ninth Canto, copper engraving, early 19th century. A very large, original 18th century engraving for Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock's "Der Messias" by Johann Friedrich Leybold, a German engraver and miniaturist painter, after Friedrich Heinrich Fuger, a German historical and classicist portrait painter who also served as the Director of the Belvedere Gallery. The composition features the angel Abaddon, a snake attaching the spirit of Judas Ischariot in the foreground to the left, Christ and the thieves crucified at the top right, and mourning angels at the upper left. The engraving is mounted under glass in a custom double matte and gold tone carved wooden frame. Size (image): 18" L x 13.625" W (45.7 cm x 34.6 cm) Size (sight view): 20.25" L x 14.125" W (51.4 cm x 35.9 cm)

Please note: This plate from a series of twelve prints from Klopstock's Messias (Messiah), an epic poem by Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock (Quedlinburg 1724-Hamburg 1803) published 1748-1773. Johann Friedrich Leybold began the series in 1811. Only 10 plates were finished by 1817, and the series was completed by Reindel.

Inscriptions printed below the image and in the plate include, "Erfunden und geseichnet von H. Fuger - Gestochen von J.F. Leybold - Klopstock's Messias Neunter Gesang - Verlag von Karl Gopel in Stuttgart - Gedruckt bei Carl Mayer in Nurnberg". At top, lettered "Subscriptions Exemplar".

Provenance: private Rancho Mirage, California, USA collection, by inheritance in 2020; ex-Dr. TDR Berreth, California, USA, acquired before 1982

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#179151

This original antique engraving is mounted under glass in a custom double matte and gold tone carved wood frame. It has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be in very good condition commensurate with age. Some foxing is visible in the margins, but the image is vivid and strong. A few minor scuffs/nicks to the frame finish, but otherwise the frame is excellent with attractive carved decorative motifs.