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Latona and the Lycians

Johann Wilhelm Baur (1607-1642): German Baroque painter of detailed vedute, miniatures & mythological scenes inspired by Ovid. Explore his art & legacy!

Giclée / Art Print

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Total Price

$ 63

reproduction

Latona and the Lycians

Giclée / Art Print

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-

Total Price

$ 63

Landscape in which a river divides two sets of figures on opposite sides. One of the groups is composed by three figures, a woman and two children, all of them gesticulating; the other set is also composed by three characters: a human, a hybrid (half human, half amphibian) and a completely amphibian figure.The inscription on the back (“Jupiter e Juno transformati in rospo”) results from an erroneous interpretation of the painting. Instead, it depicts the episode in which Latona (Leto, in Greek mythology), one of Jupiter’s many lovers, having already given birth to Phoebus and Diana (Apollo and Artemis, also represented in the painting), arrived in a city in Lycia. As she intended to quench the thirst on a nearby river, she was forbidden to do so by the locals, who, rather than stopping her, mocked her situation and clawed the water, so that it would be soiled with mud and could not be drunk. As punishment, so that they could live in the water and mud that they valued so much, Latona transformed them into frogs. This legend is told, among other sources, by Ovid (Metamorphoses 6.313-381).

Artist Biography

Johann Wilhelm Baur: Life and Legacy

Early Life and Training

Johann Wilhelm Baur, a renowned German painter and engraver, was born on May 31, 1607, in Strasbourg, France. His artistic journey began under the tutelage of Friedrich Brentel, a prominent artist of the time. This foundational training provided Baur with a solid grounding in drawing, composition, and technique.

Italian Sojourn and Artistic Development

Following his initial education, Baur embarked on an extended tour of Italy – a crucial period for his artistic development. He had the distinct privilege of working for esteemed families such as the Farnese, Colonna, and Borghese. This exposure to Italian art and patronage significantly shaped his style and subject matter. During this time, he honed his skills in both painting and etching.

Artistic Contributions and Innovations

Baur is celebrated for his innovative vedute – highly detailed topographical views of cities and landscapes. These works had a lasting impact on German and European art, influencing subsequent generations of artists. He also excelled in miniatures and etchings, demonstrating a remarkable mastery of technique and an exceptional eye for detail. His peers affectionately nicknamed him “Reiger” (heron) likely referencing his meticulous attention to detail.

Key Themes and Notable Works

Baur’s artistic focus centered heavily on mythological scenes, particularly those drawn from Ovid's Metamorphoses. His paintings often depict dramatic moments of transformation and emotional intensity. Some of his most notable works include:

  • Atalanta and Hippomenes
  • Venus transforms Adonis’ corpse into a flower
  • Mercury descends from the heavens for the love of Herse
  • Erichthonius’ release
  • Europa’s abduction by Jupiter
  • Deianeira’s abduction by the centaur Nessos
  • Latona and the Lycians
  • Vertumnus seduces Pomona

Influences and Legacy

While Friedrich Brentel was his primary early influence, Baur’s time in Italy exposed him to a wider range of artistic styles and masters. The Baroque aesthetic prevalent in Rome and other Italian cities profoundly impacted his work. His innovative vedute paved the way for later topographical painters, and his detailed miniatures influenced portraiture.

Historical Significance and Passing

Johann Wilhelm Baur passed away in Vienna on January 1, 1642. Despite a relatively short life, he left behind a significant body of work that continues to be admired for its technical skill, dramatic composition, and mythological themes. His contributions remain a cherished part of the region's cultural heritage, particularly within the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg (France), which houses an impressive collection of his art.

Johann Wilhelm Baur

Johann Wilhelm Baur

1607 - 1642 , France

Quick Facts

  • Birth Date: May 31, 1607
  • Birth Place: Strasbourg, France
  • Death Date: January 1, 1642
  • Influenced: None, 'influenced by': 'Friedrich Brentel', 'movement': 'Baroque', 'name': 'Johann Wilhelm Baur', 'nationality': 'German', 'notable works': ['Atalanta and Hippomenes',
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