Rümann, Arthur ; Christoph Nathe — Christoph Nathe

Dresden, Germany, Wilhelm Limpert Verlag, 1932. Softcover. Off-white wraps with black text. (6) 7-40 pp. Features some bw illustrations. "According to Gottlieb Friedrich Otto's encyclopedia of Upper Lusatian writers and artists, Christoph Nathe was born on January 3, 1753, the son of a farmer in Niederbielau near Gorlitz. The encylopedia - incidentally a valuable treasure trove of 18th century art in those lands - goes on to report that Nathe was initially destined for theology and therefore came to the Gorlitz grammar school at an early age. In a memorial to his friend Nathe published in 1807, D. Knebel tells of how great his attachment to nature was, how strong his inclination was not only to see and admire forests and groups of trees, but also to draw, first with small sticks in the sand on the banks of the Neisse, but then with a pencil on paper. Nathe received his first drawing lessons at the Gorlitz grammar school, precisely where he would become a drawing teacher himself twenty years later. He saw copperplate engravings and red chalk drawings from the mathematician Schulz, which he copied. These were his first attempts at artistic activity and with them he 'attained a firm hand.' Elsewhere we read: 'His strenuous diligence expanded his knowledge and its fruits; the works he produced, with which he also combined copper engraving, provided him with sufficient income." - translated from opening of book. Fair, Wraps have some minor damage to edges and spine, last few pages creased at one corner, all page material in excellent condition .