Johann Wilhelm Baur
1607 – 1641
A Hunting Scene with elegant Figures on Horseback lancing Deer and Wild Boar, their Dogs pursuing the Prey
Essay:
Johann Wilhelm Baur was a pupil of the miniaturist and engraver Friedrich Brentel. In 1626 he travelled to Italy and he stayed in Rome and Naples where he was strongly influenced by works of Callot and of Stephano della Bella.
While in Italy, he was commissioned to paint pictures for the Duc de Bracciano and the noblemen of Italy. After visiting Venice, he was invited to Vienna to the Court of Emperor Ferdinand III. He married in Vienna and remained there until his death in 1641.
He executed a number of very important engraved views viz 1636 - Views of Italy, Tivoli, Frascati, etc.. Many of his pictures were engraved by Melchior Kusel. Nearly all his work, apart from the engravings, is in gouache. He executed views of port scenes, battle scenes and allegorical subjects - virtues and vices. His work is invariably on vellum, and the technique is of the highest quality. His works are now very rare and much sought after.