In 1763 the Frankfurt patrician Johann Friedrich Arman Uffenbach bequeathed his collection of books, instruments, about ten thousand prints, including an impressive Rembrandt collection, and one thousand drawings to the Georgia Augusta University in Göttingen. For the catalogue one hundred masterpieces from all epochs and schools were chosen to illustrate the extent of Uffenbach’s interest. Following two essays on Uffenbach’s life and bequest, the entries are divided into thematic categories (including The First Century of Draughtmanship; Landscape; Age of Rembrandt; Italianates; Naer het leven and From Design to Completed Work) which give an excellent overview of the very different functions of drawings. Although some Italian artists are included, the great majority of works selected for the catalogue are by northern Europeans. Some are anonymous draughtsmen, but most are household names and represented by works of outstanding quality. All drawings are lavishly illustrated in colour with extensive comparative material. They are discussed in depth, with new attributions and clarification of subject matter.

Fiona Healy

Mainz