Bad Stuben [toy]

Title from wrapper.
Library's copy without optical box.
Attributed to the firm of engraver and publisher, Martin Engelbrecht, Augsburg. He obtained an imperial privilege to publish peep-shows from 1719, thereby eliminating any competition from other publishing houses. Artists Jeremias Wachsmuth or David Nessenthaler may have collaborated on the illustrations. The peep-shows were published in three formats: Large format, ca. 15.5 x 20.8 cm ; medium format, ca. 9.2 x 14.3 cm ; and small format, ca. 7.3 x 9.0 cm. The large and medium formats were published with a title page, while no title pages are known to have been printed for the small format. Also, the small format cards do not have any serial numbers, possibly due to cropping of the margins.
This set of peep-shows is in the small format. It contains six etchings, recently mounted in accordion form; all of the prints are hand-colored and have been cut out, except for the sixth which forms the background. The prints are without any text or title page, and have no impressum in the lower margins. The prints show views from a public bathhouse - with cut-out entrance to a columned barrel-vaulted bathhouse, lit by lantern and candles. Several groups of semi clad gentlemen and ladies are depicted in conversation while soaking their feet in wooden tubs. The set is wrapped in contemporary laid paper with Bad Stuben and N 4 inscribed in black ink in a contemporary hand.