Johann Christoph Rist

The painter and etcher, Johann Christoph Rist, was taught at the Vienna Academy, whose prize he was awarded in 1816. To pursue his studies he lived and worked in Rome in 1823/24. After returning to Germany he was active alternately in Augsburg and Munich, distinguishing himself as a landscape painter. Schorn drew attention to his talent at an early stage in the Kunstblatt. Primarily a very gifted draughtsman, Rist also made a few etchings which are exceedingly rare. Nagler mentions a series of four landscapes “with bridges, mills and hunters”. The present etching may well stem from this series. Two hunters taking a rest are engrossed in conversation at the side of a pond. The tranquil scene is reflected in the calm water, on which two ducks are swimming. A third hunter has set off with his dog to resume the hunt and will very soon spot the deer on the extreme left which directs the viewer’s gaze to the landscape beyond. Rist demonstrates great technical refinement and meticulous attention to detail in capturing the serene atmosphere of a summer’s day. The dedication beneath the picture reads: “Zur freundschaftlichen Erinnerung für Hrn. Jos. Grünling in Wien” (“In friendly recollection of Mr. Jos. Grünling in Vienna”). A superb, nuanced impression with even margins around the platemark. Slightly foxed in the margins. From the collection of Johann Andreas Boerner (Lugt 270).