Descrizione

[Augsburg, probably J. C. Munck, ca. 1780]. A oblong folio sheet of orange/terracotta painted wove paper, printed in gilt. (each 35.1 x 43.1 cm; printed areas 29.7 x 34.8 cm, i.e., with ample margins). Loose, as issued. = A unique, finely printed and exceptionally well-preserved set of embossed brocade paper sheets, known in German as Brokatpapier, or Goldfirnishdruck (after the printing method). It is a special type of Buntpapier (German), or papier dominoté (French). They were probably meant as endpapers for folio-sized books, and show a symmetrical pattern of arabesques filled with stylized flowers, leaves, and seeds. This is almost certainly the work of the Augsburger printer Johann Carl Munck (1750-1794), known for his prints with floral patterns. The name of his firm, however, is not included - they may be proof prints. The edges are uncut, as issued, resulting in very wide margins. A weak, vertical fold, as usual; otherwise, fine, the printing very fresh and strong.