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Battle of Indians

Johann Wilhelm Baur

Basic information

ID: Г-IV-1027
Author: Johann Wilhelm Baur
Name: Battle of Indians
Date of creation: 1637
Country: Germany
Technique: etching
Material: paper
Dimensions (height x width, cm): 10.7 x 14.2

Additionally

Type: graphic art
Genre: battle painting
Plot: Battle
Provenance: Lviv Historical Museum

Information about author

Author: Johann Wilhelm Baur
Artist's lifetime: 1607–1640
Country: Germany
Biography: Johann Wilhelm Baur was a leading German engraver and miniature painter of the first half of the 17th century. He began his studies in the German graphic artist and draftsman Friedrich Brentel's workshop in Strasbourg. His activities during this period, however, are hardly known. The artist gained fame after a trip to Italy, where he most likely arrived in 1626. It is assumed that Johann Wilhelm Baur settled in Rome, where he worked for Paolo Giordano II Orsini. Despite this, his first dated work, "Landscape with Vesuvius", was created in 1631, during his stay in Naples between 1631 and 1633. He later returned to Rome and executed some of his most successful graphic series. The artist went to Vienna in 1637. Although Johann Wilhelm Baur also worked as a painter, he became known primarily as a graphic artist who specialised in architectural landscapes, genre street scenes, and battles. In his works, he skilfully combined the style of the French graphic artist Jacques Callot and Florentine Stefano della Bella, with whom Baur was personally acquainted.

Object description

This battle scene depicts an imaginary combat of Indians. In the foreground are several soldiers armed with pointed staffs, clubs, and turtle-shell shields. They are rushing towards the enemy and engaging them in battle. One of them seized the enemy's head, aiming to hit. Behind him, another Indian is holding his opponent by the shield and raising a pointed staff. On the left, a brave warrior is rushing swiftly into battle. The engraving is part of "Battaglie di varie nazione" ("The Battles of Various Nations") series, which consisted of 13 sheets and was published in 1637.

Inscriptions

At the top centre, there is the inscription: "Bataglia de Indiani". At the bottom left is the inscription "J.W. Baur In. f".

Legal regulation

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery