Quodlibet with Goldfinch c. late 18th century

Christian Gottlob Winterschmidt’s “Quodlibet with Goldfinch” (c. late 18th century) is a whimsical assemblage of printed ephemera, including playing cards, a calendar, and a vignette of a goldfinch perched on a branch. The artist’s use of collage, a technique that was gaining popularity in the late 18th century, created a dynamic composition, where seemingly disparate elements are brought together in a playful and unexpected manner. This artwork exemplifies the genre of "Quodlibet", which is a musical term, but was also used in the visual arts for works that combine a diverse range of elements, often in a humorous and playful way.