A Rare Baroque Peepshow Depicting a Sukkah Scene, Attributed to Martin Engelbrecht [Augsburg: 1720-1750]

This charming Baroque peepshow belongs to the celebrated tradition of Perspektivtheater pioneered in Augsburg by Martin Engelbrecht (1684–1756), one of the most inventive printmakers of the early eighteenth century. Composed of six hand-colored, die-cut sheets designed to be viewed in layered succession, Engelbrecht’s perspective theaters created a striking illusion of depth and were prized throughout Europe as both refined entertainments and optical curiosities.

Surviving Judaica subjects within this genre are exceptionally rare, making this depiction of a family celebrating Sukkot particularly noteworthy. When arranged in sequence—either in a viewing box or simply set one behind another—the scene springs to life as a miniature stage, echoing the grandeur and theatricality that defined Baroque visual culture.

Engelbrecht’s perspective theaters were distributed widely through contemporary print dealers and became sought-after objects among collectors of engravings, movable books, and early optical devices. Their intricate craftsmanship and technical sophistication earned Engelbrecht imperial privileges that protected his designs and secured his reputation as the leading creator of optical theaters.

This finely preserved example, with its vivid watercolor, crisp cutting, and unusually specific Jewish subject matter, stands as an engaging fusion of Baroque artistry, early optical experimentation, and Jewish festive tradition—an uncommon survival from one of Europe’s most prolific and imaginative printmakers.

Each scene measures approximately 180 x 220 mm (7 x 8.5 in.), engraved and hand-colored, with intricately cut apertures designed to be layered in telescopic succession. All six plates preserved in a custom box.