Extreme rare and early miniature work (gouache on vellum/parchment) by world-renown German-Italian miniaturist and etcher Johann Wilhelm Baur (1600 - 1640). According to Houbraken, he learned to draw and paint from the miniaturistFrederick Brentel in Strasbourg, before embarking on a Grand Tour to Rome, where he painted for Brassiano, a known patron of the arts. He specialized in watercolors of architectural follies in perspective, and for this reason was often employed to make pictures of gardens. He had the habit of talking when he was concentrating, and was known to have conversations with inanimate objects. In 1634 he broke off a trip to Naples to return to a woman in Rome. Many of his drawings of Ovid´s stories were engraved by Melchior Kuszel of Augsburg. He died in Vienna of a sudden illness while on a commission by Ferdinad III, Holy Roman Emperor.most his famous works: illustrations Ovids Methamorphoses ; illustrations to Ovid`s Methamorphoses; etchings of the battles to F. Strada´ s history of the Netherlands War of liberation in 20 sheets, and 25 sheets battles with the title: Caprici di varie Batalie.Miniatures by Baur arrive by international auctions very high results For confirm with results of other miniature works by J.W.Baur see additional photos .

Literature: Thieme/Becker "Allgemeines Lexikon der bildenden Künstler.."Leipzig, 1999 ;E.Benezit "Dictionnaire des peintres , sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs",Gründ, 1999.

Inscription: remains of signature lower left, on the reverse- old inscription with name of the artist and label with inventory number of previous collector.

Technique: gouache on vellum (parchment), laid down on wood. Antique gold-plated frame.

Measurements: image 2 3/4 " x 3 3/4" (7 x 9,5 cm), framed 5 3/8" x 6 1/2 " (13,7 x 16,5 cm)

Condition: in very good condition.