John Albert Bauer (4 June 1882 – 20 November 1918) was a Swedish painter and illustrator. His paintings dealt with Swedish nature, mythical creatures, and magical places while he also composed portraits. He is best known for his illustrations in early editions of Bland tomtar och troll (Among Gnomes and Trolls), an anthology about Swedish folklore and children’s fairy tales.
John Bauer was born and raised in Jönköping. At 16 he moved to Stockholm to study at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts. While there he received his first commissions to illustrate stories in books and magazines, and met the artist Ester Ellqvist, whom he married in 1906. He traveled throughout Lappland, Germany and Italy early in his career, and these cultures deeply informed his work.
He painted and illustrated in a romantic nationalistic style, in part influenced by the Italian Renaissance and Sami cultures. Most of his works are watercolors or prints in monochrome or muted colours; he also produced oil paintings and frescos. His illustrations and paintings broadened the understanding and appreciation of Swedish folklore, fairy tales and landscape.
Among Gnomes and Trolls (Swedish: Bland tomtar och troll), is a popular Swedish folklore and fairy tales annual and children’s fairy tale anthology published since 1907. One of the most noted of the early illustrators is artist John Bauer.
Presenting one of John Bauer’s earliest work, Bland Tomtar Och Troll 6. First published by Åhlén & Åkerlunds förlag in 1912. The reproduction of the illustrations have lots to be desired, the illustrations appears faded, it lacks the brightness of the color palette that he used. However, it’s brilliant in depicting the darkness and cheerfulness of the tales. Enjoy.
Art Gallery: John Bauer – Bland Tomtar Och Troll 6
BOOKSTORE: Rare, Antiquarian, First editions, Illustrated Children's Books
