John Bauer - The Fiddler

JOHN BAUER (1882-1918) SWEDEN

THE FIDDLER 

ink, pencil on paper,
paper dimensions 9.2 x 6.5 cm
frame 28.5 x 24.5 cm
oak frame by Stockholms Förgyllning och Bildhuggeri.

Provenance: 
Written on the back: Skiss av John Bauer.
Present på 30-årsdagen till Gunnar. 19/6 1951

Essay: 
This intricate drawing by John Bauer, measuring approximately 8 x 5 cm and presented in an oval format, encapsulates a profound expression in its modest size. It features a minuscule fiddler at its centre, surrounded by an evocative landscape of mountains and trees that not only frame the subject but also add a layer of depth to the composition. Above, a few birds navigate the sky, adding movement to the serene tableau. Despite its small scale, the drawing is rich in detail and atmosphere, which is characteristic of Bauer's work.

John Bauer, born on June 4, 1882, in Jönköping, Sweden, was a distinguished painter and illustrator known for his contributions to landscape and mythology, as well as portraiture. He gained fame through his illustrations for the early editions of "Bland tomtar och troll" (Among Gnomes and Trolls), a collection of Swedish folklore and fairy tales. Bauer's journey into the arts led him from Jönköping to Stockholm, where he studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts from the age of 16. His early career saw him traveling across Lappland, Germany, and Italy, experiences that profoundly influenced his artistic style.

Bauer's work, deeply rooted in a romantic nationalistic style, drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance and Sami cultures. Predominantly working in watercolours and prints, Bauer also ventured into oil paintings and frescos. His art, characterized by monochrome or muted colours, brought a broader appreciation and understanding of Swedish folklore, fairy tales, and landscapes. Tragically, at the age of 36, Bauer, his wife Ester, and their son Bengt perished in a shipwreck on Lake Vättern, marking a premature end to a prolific career that left an indelible mark on Swedish art and culture.