Gruner, Ludwig [Editor]; Landsberg, Karl A. von [Contr.]: The Green Vaults Dresden: illustrations of the choicests works in that museum of art (Dresden, 1862)

XXII.

The Knife Grinder in ivory.

Height 3| in. Breadth 5T72 in.

We have already remarked in our notice of the portrait statuette of the lacemaker, that these small
figures, which are so numerous in our collection, formed favourite articles for gifts. It is highly probable,
that many of them were portraits of persons interesting or well known at one time. At the present day,
we are in most instances unable to discover who the persons represented are, or what were the circumstances
which gave' them an interest, and the occasion of their acquisition and presentation remains in equal
obscurity. Many of them possess a humorous character, and still excite a smile in the beholder. They
are generally of creditable workmanship, the design, and modelling are good, and the expression wonderful,
considering the smallness of the scale. The accessories, pedestals, etc. of them all are richly adorned with
enamelling and precious stones. The specimen in our plate is from the hand of Koehler, and very characteristic
of that master.