PHILIP JAMES DE LOUTHERBOURG Premiere Suite de Soldats * Deuxième Suite des Figures.
Collection of 12 etchings (in 2 suites of 6 each), circa 1780. Each approximately 120x85 mm; 4¾x3½ inches, full margins. Premiere Suite de Soldats in the third state (of 3). Deuxième Suite des Figures in the third state (of 3). Very good impressions of these extremely scarce etchings.
Born in Strasbourg, Loutherbourg (174-1812) was a French-born British painter who became known for his large naval works, his elaborate set designs for London theatres, and his invention of a mechanical theatre called the "Eidophusikon." He trained in Paris, and in 1767 was elected to the French Academy, before setting off for lengthy travels through Switzerland, Germany and Italy, ultimately settling in England in 1771. In London, the famous actor and theater manager David Garrick paid Loutherbourg £500 a year to design scenery and costumes and oversee the stage machinery at the Drury Lane Theatre. His stage effects attracted the admiration not just of the general public, but also of artists, including Joshua Reynolds. His "Eidophusikon" was a miniature mechanical theatre measuring six by eight feet, first presented at Loutherbourg's home in 1781. He used special Argand lamps (an extra bright oil lamp invented in 1780) to light the stage and stained glass to change colors.
