Hofmann (charles) - Calligraphy In Gothic Script - Etterzhausen - 1801

Etterzhausen (Holy Roman Empire, present-day Germany), 1801. 418 x 558 mm, in German, Gothic script, black ink on strong Dutch paper (watermark: HONIG & ZOONEN).

Calligraphic masterpiece: on stone-lined background, within leafy ribboned oval frame presenting four flower crowns at cardinal points, German Gothic text in perfect calligraphy, inserted in cloud of pen strokes resting under stippled gray background. Title in gray letters and 11 lines in black letters.

Title: "Wer Complimenten liebt, wird unsrer Einfalt lachen" (Whoever loves compliments will laugh at our simplicity).

Miniature decoration: above text, center under branched flower garland, miniature view of Etterzhausen; right, representation of Molière's Tartuffe, mask in hand, all in pen strokes.

Signature on verso lower right: "Charles Hoffman / 1801 anno pacis". Despite research, no information about the author has been found, nor any other of his productions.

Remarkable technique: work of very high quality, exceptional mastery of German Gothic script and ornamental pen work. At this time, manuscript Gothic script (Kurrentschrift) was the standard handwriting throughout the German-speaking area.

Quality paper: strong Dutch paper with HONIG & ZOONEN watermark (renowned Dutch paper mill).

Condition: several small tears, peripheral except one, skillfully restored, minor water stains especially at bottom.