
Ridinger’s spirited eight-sided, pen-and-ink compositions for The Four Seasons are very similar to their final incarnation as etchings with oval images, which the busy Ridinger delegated to his son to etch. More hardily attired than the well-heeled hunters of Spring, Summer, and Fall, the protagonist of Winter huddles with his dogs before a fire. His persistence in the face of nature suggests that he hunts out of necessity as well as sport. Despite the bitter cold, he has successfully targeted the most dangerous game: a lynx, a wolf, and a bear.

Fable V, plate five from Lehrreiche Fabeln aus dem Reiche der Theire
Johann Elias Ridinger German, 1698-1767

Fable III, plate three from Lehrreiche Fabeln aus dem Reiche der Theire
Johann Elias Ridinger German, 1698-1767

Sketches of Romping Dogs
Probably Abraham Hondius (Dutch, c. 1625-1695) or possibly Johann Elias Ridinger (German, 1698-1767) or possibly Jan Fyt (Flemish, 1611-1661)