Illustrators
Louise Abbéma was a French painter, sculptor, and designer, celebrated for her work during the Belle Époque. Born in Étampes in 1853 into an affluent Parisian family, she became well known for her portraits, particularly of the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt, and for decorative panels commissioned for various public buildings in Paris and the Palace of the Governor in Dakar, Senegal.
Abbéma's art often depicted the upper echelons of French society and reflected the Impressionist style through her light and rapid brushstrokes. She was also notable for her involvement in the women's movement, where she contributed to the emerging image of the 'New Woman' by portraying androgynous figures and themes of intellectualism and freedom.
Among her many honors, Abbéma was awarded the Palme Academiques in 1887, nominated as the Official Painter of the Third Republic, and in 1906, she became a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. Her works, such as "Lunch in the Greenhouse" and "Portrait of Sarah Bernhardt," have seen a resurgence in popularity as the contribution of women to historical art gains more recognition.
For those interested in the evocative and historically rich artworks of Louise Abbéma, consider subscribing to our updates. We'll keep you informed about new sales, auctions, and exhibitions featuring Abbéma's work, ensuring you're always connected to the latest offerings in the art and antique collectors' sphere.
Richard Adams is a British artist and illustrator living and working in Sussex.
Adams received an honors degree in graphic design from Leicester Polytechnic and initially worked as an illustrator in London. Richard Adams creates all his paintings using chalk pastels, then fixes and impregnates with a special varnish that leaves an impenetrable surface. He depicts a variety of English landscapes and seashores, often inhabited by quirky characters and animals, as well as amusing domestic scenes. The artist successfully captures the humor and absurdity of everyday life in a bygone and contemporary English style.
Adams' work is regularly exhibited in London and other UK cities to great acclaim, and internationally in Sydney, Washington DC, Bremen and Madrid.
Vladimir Ivanovich Akulov (Russian: Владимир Иванович Акулов) is a Soviet and contemporary Belarusian artist. He is known as a painter, graphic artist and teacher, a representative of the second wave of Belarusian avant-garde.
Vladimir Akulov in his work has developed a unique style under the influence of expressionism, cubism, primitivism, fauvism. He is a master of portrait, landscape, still life, compositions with symbolic and allegorical subjects, illustrations of literary works. During his career the artist created several cycles of portraits, including those of famous people.
Saleh al-Jumai'e is an Iraqi artist noted for his works that explore the notion of tracks left by ancient heritage. His works often integrate Arabic calligraphy in an abstract artwork. Al-Jumaie and his cohort became the group of artists that defined 1960s Iraqi art. Although al-Jumaie is best remembered as a painter, he also designed posters and produced a number of book covers. His early work features Arabic lettering, but over time the calligraphy became fainter. His interest in exploring new media and materials was maintained throughout his career. The idea of tracks left by tradition is a theme that Jumaie takes up in much of his work. For example, Pages from Old Books is a series of mixed media artworks that creates an illusion of surfaces on which fragments of script have been written.
Craig Alan is an American artist whose work displays a technical sophistication as well as a rich imagination.
After moving with his family to New Orleans, Alan worked as a street artist in his youth, creating portraits. Through his exceptional talent and through his own research, he eventually developed an admirable understanding and sense of textures, compositions and colors. Today, Craig Alan represents a wide range of artistic styles, from book illustration to naturalistic oil painting and his Populus Art.
Hans Henning Otto Harry Baron von Voigt, best known by his nickname Alastair, was a German artist, composer, dancer, mime, poet, singer and translator. He is best known as an illustrator.
His drawings, which are often decadent in spirit and have the look of Art Nouveau, are influenced somewhat by the drawings of the English artist Aubrey Beardsley.
His drawings were in black and white ink, sometimes with one colour added. Alastair's illustrations show a strong influence from the Decadent movement in art and poetry that had begun decades earlier, with the "perverse and sinister" a recurring theme. Intricate decorative elements and fine detail are apparent in his works.
Eleazar Albin was a British naturalist and author of illustrated books on birds and insects.
Albin wrote and illustrated a number of books, including A Natural History of English Insects (1720), A Natural History of Birds (1731-38), and A Natural History of Spiders and Other Curious Insects (1736). His work was based on careful observation and artistic talent. Eleazar Albin has been called one of the "great illustrators of entomological books of the 18th century".
Some of the illustrations in these books are by Albin's daughter Elisabeth. Eleazar Albin himself proudly wrote of his drawings that they were all painted from life, with all the accuracy of a sketch, unlike the sketches of other scientists, who did them either from memory or from stories.
William Alexander was a British painter, illustrator and printmaker.
He studied painting at the Royal Academy and became a very famous artist. In 1792-1794 he accompanied the official embassy to Peking of Lord George Macartney on behalf of the British government, where he documented the visit and made many drawings of the Chinese court. These depict various mandarins, merchants, members of the royal family and members of Chinese society. In 1805, William Alexander published Costume of China, an album illustrated with 48 color prints, which was a success with the public.
Henry Thomas Alcken was an English painter and engraver chiefly known as a caricaturist and illustrator of sporting subjects and coaching scenes. His most prolific period of painting and drawing occurred between 1816 and 1831.
Samuel Alken the Elder was a British painter, printmaker and illustrator.
Samuel Alken studied at the Royal Academy School in London. In 1779 he published A New Book of Ornaments Designed and Engraved by Samuel Alken, and later established himself as one of the most distinguished engravers in the new technique of aquatint. Alken produced magnificent compositions of the British countryside, including moonlit night scenes. His works include engravings by George Morland, Richard Wilson, Thomas Rowlandson, and Francis Wheatley. In 1796 his plates of sixteen views of the lakes of Cumberland and Westmorland, after drawings by John Ames and John Smith, were published, and in 1798 a set of aquatint views of North Wales after drawings by the Rev. Brian Broughton.
His sons, Samuel Alken the Younger (1784-1824), Henry Thomas Alken (1785-1851) and Samuel Henry Alken (1810-1894) also became artists.
Charles Henry Alston was a mid-twentieth-century American artist. He is known as a graphic and muralist painter as well as a sculptor, illustrator, and educator who lived and worked in New York City's Harlem neighborhood.
Charles Alston was an activist in the so-called "Harlem Renaissance." He became the first African-American director of the U.S. Federal Art Project. The artist created murals for Harlem Hospital as well as a number of cultural and administrative buildings in New York City. Alston is the author of a bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. which was the first depiction of an African American to be displayed at the White House in Washington, DC.
Erhard Altdorfer, a German Early Renaissance printmaker, painter, and architect, is renowned for his contributions to the arts during the 16th century. Born around 1480, Altdorfer's career flourished in Schwerin, where he served as a court painter and architect for the Dukes of Mecklenburg from 1512 until his death in 1561. His journey into the arts likely began under the guidance of his older brother, Albrecht Altdorfer, a prominent figure in the same era.
Altdorfer's early work possibly included collaboration with his brother in Regensburg. By 1512, his talents led him to Schwerin, marking the start of a significant phase in his career. His oeuvre includes various forms, from engravings and woodcuts to paintings and architectural designs. Notable among his works are contributions to the Lübeck Bible, showcasing his skill in woodcut illustrations. Despite the limited number of signed works, his contributions to printmaking and painting hold a place in the history of German Renaissance art. His works, reflecting a blend of influences, including from Lucas Cranach the Elder and Jacopo de' Barbari, demonstrate a unique interpretation of the Renaissance style.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, understanding Altdorfer's role within the context of the Early Renaissance and his contributions, especially in printmaking and painting, offers a nuanced appreciation of this period. His works, though not as prolifically signed as those of some contemporaries, remain significant for their historical and artistic value. To stay updated on new discoveries or auction events related to Erhard Altdorfer's works, consider signing up for updates to deepen your knowledge and collection of Renaissance art.
Nathan Isaiovych Altman (Russian: Натан Исаевич Альтман), a Ukrainian-born Russian and Soviet avant-garde artist, made significant contributions to Cubism, stage design, and book illustration. Born on December 22, 1889, in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Altman's early education took place at the Odessa School of Art, followed by further studies at the Maria Vasilyeva Free Russian Academy in Paris. His diverse artistic talent extended across painting, sculpture, graphic art, and theatrical and cinema design, reflecting the dynamic spirit of the avant-garde movement.
Altman's work is recognized for its innovative approach to Cubism and for integrating avant-garde principles with traditional Jewish themes. This blend is evident in his Jewish graphic arts and his involvement in designing stage sets for the Habimah Theatre and the Jewish State Theatre in Moscow from 1920 to 1928. A notable period in his career was his participation in the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris in 1925, showcasing his breadth in arts and design alongside contemporaries such as Aleksandra Ekster and Sonia Delaunay-Terk.
Altman's legacy is preserved in several prestigious collections, including the Museum of Russian Art in Erevan, Armenia, where his mixed technique works like "Still Life" are housed. His pieces reflect the avant-garde's fascination with abstract forms and bold experiments with color and composition. The Russian Museum's collection of Altman's work further highlights his versatility, featuring his self-portraits, the iconic "Portrait of Anna Akhmatova", and innovative designs for theatrical productions.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Altman's oeuvre offers a unique insight into the evolution of avant-garde art in the early 20th century. His works not only encapsulate the revolutionary spirit of the time but also embody the rich cultural interplay between Russian and Jewish artistic traditions.
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Boris Izraelievich Anisfeld (Russian: Борис Израилевич Анисфельд) was a Russian-American painter, set designer, illustrator, and educator, celebrated for his vivid use of color and imaginative scenery. Born in Bessarabia, Russian Empire, in 1878, Anisfeld's artistic journey led him from the Odessa School of Art to the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg, where he absorbed the influences of prominent artists like Ilya Repin and Igor Grabar. His distinct style caught the attention of Sergei Diaghilev, leading to his work with the Ballet Russe before World War I.
Anisfeld's contributions to art extend beyond his canvas, as his theater designs for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes and collaborations with notable figures like Michel Fokine and Anna Pavlova showcased his ability to blend fantasy with performance. His work with the Ballets Russes, including designing the production of "Sadko" and executing the visions of other celebrated artists for stage sets, marked a significant period in his career before he immigrated to the United States in 1917.
In America, Anisfeld continued his legacy, taking on roles such as a teacher at the Art Institute of Chicago and contributing to the cultural landscape through his stage designs and paintings. His work is recognized for its innovative approach to color and form, bridging the realms of painting and theater design to create immersive, emotionally resonant artworks. Anisfeld passed away in 1973, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Anisfeld's work represents a fusion of Russian and American art traditions, enriched by his imaginative approach and vibrant palette. His contributions to the development of modern art and theater design underscore the enduring relevance of his creative vision.
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Yury Pavlovich Annenkov (Russian: Юрий Павлович Анненков) was a prominent Russian artist, renowned for his avant-garde book illustrations and portraits, as well as his work in theater and cinema. Born in 1889 in Petropavlovsk, Russian Empire, and passing away in 1974 in Paris, France, Annenkov's artistic journey was shaped by the tumultuous times he lived in. His work is celebrated for capturing the essence of an era marked by revolution and change, employing a style that is both dynamic and reflective of the Synthetism movement, emphasizing the synthetic essence of his subjects.
Annenkov's early years were spent in St. Petersburg, where he was influenced by prominent figures and movements of the time. He honed his skills in Paris, working in the studios of Maurice Denis and Félix Vallotton, and later, his talents led him to design iconic works for the Bolshevik government, such as the staging of "The Storming of the Winter Palace". His acclaimed book "Portraits," published in 1922, featured 80 pictures of key Russian art figures, showcasing his exceptional talent in capturing personalities through his art.
In 1924, Annenkov left Soviet Russia, eventually settling in Paris, where he continued to flourish as an artist, working on landscapes, female portraits, interiors, and achieving success in the film industry as a costume designer, notably receiving an Academy Award nomination for his work.
Among his notable works are "Dreams of a Provincial (Borovichi)," "Portrait of Elena Borisovna Annenkova," "June. Forest," "Portrait of Miron Abramovich Sherling," "Portrait of A.M. Gorky," and the "Illustration for the poem 'The Twelve' by A.A. Blok," each piece highlighting his ability to blend academic drawing with avant-garde techniques.
For collectors and art and antiques experts, Annenkov's works offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of 20th-century Russian art, marked by its innovation, depth, and historical significance. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
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Emilia Appelgren was a Finnish artist, one of the first female landscape painters of 19th century Finland.
Emilia Appelgren was also a good copyist and illustrator. After the establishment of the Finnish Society of Artists in 1846, she studied at art schools at home and abroad.
Kurt Ard was a Danish illustrator, painter and printmaker. He became internationally famous for his narrative cover artwork published in popular magazines of the 1950s-1970s, including the Family Journal, the Saturday Evening Post and Reader’s Digest. Ard started his career at various smaller newspapers and worked in the same realistic tradition as his role model, illustrator and painter, Norman Rockwell. During WW II, Kurt struggled to fulfill commission orders. His painting and his reputation and success grew steadily in the post war years. His illustrations soon appeared in major European publications, and he subsequently achieved international fame. Over the course of his career, Ard has sold more than 1000 illustrations to the best magazines in Europe, and to American publications such as McCalls, Good Housekeeping and Redbook. Today, Kurt continues to create exceptional figurative, landscape and seascape paintings with uncompromising authenticity , capturing the charm, beauty and power of these diverse subjects. His work is especially notable for its brilliant light and precise detail.
Carl Johann Arnold was a German painter, draftsman, and graphic artist.
He was the son and pupil of the designer and wallpaper maker, landscape and portrait painter, lithographer, and decorator Carl Heinrich Arnold (1793-1874).
He first studied at the Academy in Kassel and then went to Berlin. Carl Johann Arnold painted pictures of animals, canvases on historical events, and numerous portraits. In particular, he created many portraits of the German Emperor Wilhelm II, for which he was apparently appointed royal Prussian court painter. Arnold also produced drawings, etchings, and lithographs that were published in the popular magazines of the time.
Maurice Paul Jean Asselin was a French painter, watercolourist, printmaker, lithographer, engraver and illustrator, associated with the School of Paris. He is best known for still lifes and nudes. Other recurring themes in his work are motherhood, and the landscapes and seascapes of Brittany. He also worked as a book illustrator, particularly in the 1920s. His personal style was characterised by subdued colours, sensitive brushwork and a strong sense of composition and design.
He was awarded the rank of Officier de la Légion d'honneur in 1939.
Robert Assmus is a German landscape artist and illustrator. He took lessons from the floral artist Friedrich Wilhelm Völker. He devoted himself entirely to landscape painting, earning a living by illustrating for the newspapers Illustrirte Zeitung, Die Gartenlaube, Daheim magazine and other publications. After the end of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, he undertook study trips to northern Italy, the Carpathians, Hungary, the Baltic Sea and Switzerland. Inspired by what he saw, he published a magnificent illustrated work, the album “Alsace-Lorraine,” which received positive reviews from the public.
Zinaida Antonovna Astapovich-Bocharova (Russian: Зинаида Антоновна Астапович-Бочарова) was a Russian, Soviet and Belarusian artist of the twentieth century. She is known as a painter, graphic artist and teacher.
Zinaida Astapovich-Bocharova worked in the genres of portrait, landscape, propaganda poster, as well as book illustration - mainly for fairy tale books. She painted in watercolor, oil, pencil, charcoal, gouache, and pastel. Much of her work from the 1930s and 1940s was lost during the evacuation of the artist from besieged Leningrad.
Charles Garabed Atamian is a French artist of Armenian origin born in Turkey.
He studied for a time at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, then worked as chief designer at a porcelain factory in Istanbul. In 1894, Atamian worked with a team of artists to decorate the new palace of Sultan Abdul-Hamid Il in Yildiz, on the European side of the Bosphorus. He designed, among other things, the patterns for the ceramic tiles of the palace walls.
In 1897, Atamian emigrated to France and began illustrating books and magazines, as well as working on sets for several Parisian theaters. Since 1903 Atamian participated in various exhibitions with unquestionable success. He painted landscapes, sea and beach scenes with children (including some 200 paintings at Saint-Gilles in the Vendée, where he resided each year during the summer months from 1923 to 1939). Throughout his career he was a fine portrait painter. He became a member of the National Society of Artists in 1927.
John Augustus Atkinson was a British watercolorist, illustrator and engraver.
In 1784, the young Atkinson traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, to stay with his uncle James Walker, who worked as an engraver at the court of Empress Catherine the Great. The aspiring artist learned from the work of the great Russian painters whose paintings he saw in the art galleries of St. Petersburg. Catherine and her son Paul I, noticing his talent, commissioned Atkinson to paint pictures on historical subjects.
In 1801 Atkinson returned to England and a year later published an album entitled "Pictorial representation of Russian manners, customs and amusements" on 100 plates drawn and engraved by himself. This work was a great success in Europe. Later, during the Napoleonic Wars, Atkinson created many battle scenes, including the Battle of Waterloo and naval battles. In 1808 he was elected to the Society of Watercolor Painters.
Charles Aubry was a French painter, illustrator and caricaturist who worked in Saumur from 1810-1840.
From 1817. Aubry made drawings and illustrations of military costume. He was soon recognized as one of the best lithographers and draughtsmen of military scenes, showing a particular talent for depicting cavalry. Charles Aubry's colored lithographs were published in a publication on the uniforms of the Swiss Royal Guard (Collection des Uniforms de l'Armee Francaise, 1823), as well as caricatures in the Comic Album de Pathologie (1823).
In 1822 Charles Aubry was appointed professor of art at l'Ecole Militaire de Saumur.
Vsevolod Grigorievich Averin (Russian: Всеволод Григорьевич Аверин) was a Ukrainian Soviet graphic artist and book illustrator. He was one of the most important Ukrainian animal painters of the first half of the 20th century, incorporating avant-garde techniques into his work.
Averin worked in book and easel graphics, especially lithography, as well as portrait and landscape painting. He illustrated many well-known works, including the Atlas of Human Anatomy and a novel by M. Twain. His work was characterised by an exquisite style and harmonious design, and his estate includes some 300 bindings, 3,000 illustrations and 90 posters.
Sally Michel Avery is an American artist known for her paintings in the style of abstract expressionism. Her paintings are often associated with musical rhythm and melody. She began her career as a landscape painter, and in the 1940s she moved to more abstract forms and color schemes.
Avery was one of the few women recognized as influential in American abstract painting in the mid-20th century. Her work can be seen in museums and private collections around the world.
Aino Bach (Russian: Айно Густавовна Бах) was an Estonian and Soviet artist of the twentieth century. She is known as a painter, graphic artist and printmaker.
Aino Bach was one of the first Estonian printmakers to demonstrate mastery of the intaglio technique, which expanded the possibilities of engraving. Her work includes portraits, genre compositions and illustrations. She employed a variety of techniques including gravure printing, metal engraving, and color monotype. Her works often combined different techniques, giving them a distinctive flavor.
Bele Bachem (real name Renate Gabriele Bachem) was a German painter, graphic designer, book illustrator, interior designer and writer. In 1997 Bachem was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Bachem is considered one of the most important post-war German artists and one of the few surrealists in the illustration of German literature.
Gottfried Albert Maria Bachem was a German painter and illustrator of the Düsseldorf School. Bachem, who belonged to the Malkasten artists' association from 1921 to 1932, painted portraits, genre scenes and landscapes, and he also illustrated children's books. From 1900 he took part in numerous art exhibitions, including in Berlin.
Karl Otto Bachmann, a Swiss painter, graphic artist, and illustrator, began his artistic career in Luzern before moving to Zurich and pursuing freelance work. He achieved a breakthrough in 1943 with the publication of his "Faust" portfolio. Bachmann drew inspiration from his travels across Europe, often joining circus troupes for income and creative ideas. His paintings were characterized by imaginative and virtual settings, with themes revolving around the stage, carnival, and circus. Bachmann's elegant lines, delicate colors, and harmonious compositions made him a respected book illustrator. He actively participated in numerous exhibitions throughout his life, both domestically and internationally.
Friedrich Baedeker, full name Friedrich Wilhelm Justus Baedeker or F. W. J. Baedeker, was a German pharmacist, bird egg collector and bird illustrator.
In addition to his work as a pharmacist, Baedeker had a passion for ornithology and was a good artist. His 774 watercolors are known, depicting some 386 European birds. In time, Baedeker became widely known as an ornithologist and zoologist, and his huge collection included about 4,000 eggs of various European and exotic birds.
Baedeker joined the Deutsche Ornithologen-Gesellschaft (German Society of Ornithologists) in 1851, shortly after its founding, and published several books on birds. One of these was Die Eier der europaeischen Voegel nach der Natur gemalt ("The Eggs of European Birds Drawn from Nature").
Friedrich August Baer was a German painter who initially pursued law but turned to painting after being inspired by Eduard Schleich's work. He was a self-taught artist who received guidance from Adolf Lier and Hermann Baisch. Baer was a member of the Munich Art Association and exhibited his works in various exhibitions across Germany and Austria. He became interested in painting high mountain landscapes and was occasionally misunderstood for his unique style. Baer was also a writer and book illustrator and received several medals and awards for his artistic achievements.
Leon Bakst (Russian: Лев Самойлович Бакст) was a prominent Russian painter and stage designer, celebrated for his innovative contributions to the world of art and theater. Born in the late 19th century, Bakst became a central figure in the cultural renaissance that swept through Russia and Europe, leaving an indelible mark on the visual and performing arts.
Bakst's work is distinguished by its rich use of color, intricate patterns, and imaginative compositions, which brought to life the exotic and often fantastical themes of the ballets and operas for which he designed. His association with the Ballets Russes, a groundbreaking ballet company that performed across Europe and America, solidified his reputation as a visionary artist. The costumes and sets he created for productions like "The Firebird" and "Scheherazade" were celebrated for their creativity and exoticism, influencing not only the world of theater but also fashion and interior design.
His art extends beyond the stage, with paintings and illustrations that capture the same vibrancy and innovation found in his theatrical work. Museums and galleries around the world, including the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, house his works, allowing art lovers to experience the magic of Bakst's creations.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Leon Bakst's work offers a unique glimpse into a transformative period of cultural history, where the boundaries of art and performance were reimagined. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate, making his pieces highly sought after in the art world.
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Jan Balet was a German/US-American painter, graphic artist and illustrator. Affected by the style naive art he worked particularly as a graphic artist and as an Illustrator of children's books. Besides this he painted pictures in the style of naive art. Referred to as a "naïve" painter, his works exhibit a dry wit and refreshingly candid, satirical view of life.
Margit Balla is a Hungarian artist, graphic artist, illustrator, director, stage designer and costume designer.
She studied typography at the Academy of Applied Arts in Budapest, mainly making posters, book illustrations, later working more and more with pictorial graphics. In her posters Margit Balla combines impressions from old prints with contemporary trends such as pop art. Her figurative compositions are easily recognizable by her special surrealistic drawing style.
Since 2000, Margit Balla has been working as a production designer for the Budapest Puppet Theater.
Hans Baluschek, full name Alphons Anton Alexander Hans Ernst Karl Maria Baluschek, was a German painter, graphic artist and writer, representative of the New Materiality style.
Baluschek studied at the Royal Academy of Arts, and in 1900 became a member of the Berlin Secession, a group of artists that also included Ernst Barlach, Max Beckmann, and Wassily Kandinsky. Baluschek was always socially critical, which was reflected in the subjects of his paintings. Many of his paintings are dedicated to the working class of Berlin, he addressed the gray everyday life of Berlin: gray air, gray walls, gray people. Baluschek is often categorized as a German Expressionist because of his emotional style, but his style has something of New Objectivity, Impressionism, and naive painting. He also drew illustrations for the popular children's book Little Peter's Trip to the Moon, and collaborated with periodicals as an illustrator.
World War I instilled patriotic feelings in Baluschek, and he painted a number of subjects on this theme. After the war, he joined the Social Democratic Party and became involved in labor movements. In 1926 he helped establish an artists' relief fund and later became director of the annual Berlin Exhibition. The German Nazis, who came to power in 1933, declared Baluschek a Marxist and a "degenerate artist," suspended him from all positions, and banned him from exhibiting.
George Barbier was a French artist and illustrator, fashion designer, who influenced the development of the Art Deco movement.
George Barbier studied painting at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Initially he worked as an illustrator for several famous Parisian fashion magazines, and gradually his drawings began to define the style of women's clothing. The emergence of the Art Nouveau style moved Barbier to create luxurious fashions for cabarets, theaters, and movies. He depicted extravagant theatrical costumes with sparkling rhinestones, high headdresses and huge plumes. Barbier created stage costume designs for Diaghilev's famous Russian Ballet.
He also illustrated catalogs and many literary works, including works by Charles Baudelaire and P. Verlaine, and was an author and designer of jewelry.
James Barenger is a British animal artist and illustrator.
He was born James Barenger Sr. James Barenger was a metal chaser and naturalist painter. Barenger specialized in depicting horses, dogs, and other animals, as well as noblemen's hunting scenes, which were consistently successful in the 19th century.
Barenger's patrons included the Duke of Grafton, the Marquis of Londonderry and the Earl of Derby. The artist produced entire series of prints depicting hunting, shooting, bullfighting and horse racing, which were published in sporting publications.
Henri Charles Antoine Baron was a French painter, printmaker and illustrator.
Henri studied painting with Jean Gigoux (1806-1894) and traveled with him in Italy. The Baron returned with a large number of sketches, which became a constant source of inspiration for many of his later works. He first successfully exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1840. Baron was subsequently honored with several gold medals for his work at this Salon.
Henri Baron was the author of historical scenes of social life, oriental and allegorical compositions. He painted charming Italian genre scenes and depicted Parisian social life. The artist was also recognized as a skilled watercolorist, exhibiting his watercolors continuously at the Society of French Watercolorists since 1879. Baron also illustrated works by Balzac, Boccaccio, J. J. Rousseau, Perrault's fairy tales and many others.
In addition, in collaboration with his friend F.-L. France and Célestin Nantey (1813-73), he published a three-volume edition of Ancient and Modern Painters (1848-62), a collection of lithographs based on the works of modern artists.
Jacques Barraband was a French zoological and botanical illustrator, renowned for his lifelike renderings of tropical birds. His pictures were based on mounted specimens and his illustration was considered the most accurate ones made during the early 1800s.
Pavel Ivanovich Basmanov (Russian: Павел Иванович Басманов) was a Soviet and Russian artist of the twentieth century. He is known as a painter, book graphic artist and illustrator.
Pavel Basmanov devoted his entire career, beginning in 1929, to book graphics, and was a member of the bureau of the graphic section of the Union of Artists. He is also known for his series of watercolor works, including "Old Siberia" and "Walking". His art was characterized by a unique approach based on religious motifs.
The master's works are in the collections of the State Russian Museum, the Tsarskoye Selo State Collection and private collections.
Ferrer Bassa was a renowned Catalan Gothic painter and miniaturist, active in the early 14th century. His artistry not only graced the courts of Aragon but also laid the foundations of the Catalan School of painting. Bassa is celebrated for integrating the traditional Gothic style with French and Sienese influences, creating a unique visual lexicon that was ahead of his time.
Born around 1285, Bassa's career highlights include his work for Alfonso IV of Aragon and the impactful series of frescos in the St. Michael Chapel at the Monastery of Pedralbes in Barcelona. These frescos, executed between 1345-46, are Bassa's most significant surviving works. They showcase an Italianate style, featuring around twenty scenes that focus on the Passion of Christ and the Seven Pains of the Virgin. His work in the Great Canterbury Psalter also stands as a testament to his exemplary skills.
Bassa's contribution to the world of art extends beyond his own creations. He played a pivotal role in the evolution of the Catalan phase of Gothic painting, significantly influencing the period's artistic direction. His legacy was furthered by his son, Arnau Bassa, who continued his father's artistic journey.
For art collectors and enthusiasts, the works of Ferrer Bassa are more than historical artifacts; they are the keystones of Catalan Gothic art. His influence resonates in the works of subsequent artists and continues to inspire modern artistic expressions. For those wishing to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Gothic art, Ferrer Bassa's works are an indispensable resource.
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Moritz Bauernfeind was an Austrian painter, graphic artist, illustrator and cartoonist.
Moritz studied at the Academies of Fine Arts in Vienna and Munich, then at the Académie Julian in Paris, early landscapes painted in the style of Impressionism.
Bauernfeind gained fame in the early 20th century as an illustrator of political satire, notably in Meggendorfer's Humorous Notes and Der Flo. Between 1900 and 1905 he published more than 200 satirical drawings in Der Scherer and Simplicissimus, and in 1909 a series in the Illustrirten Zeitung in Leipzig. And color illustrations for fairy tales and legends were eagerly published by juvenile and many other publications. Bauernfeind's fantastic genre images with stylized figures and a touch of burlesque attract with their unusualness and mystery.
Fritz Baumgarten was a German illustrator.
He illustrated countless children's books in light pen works, coloured richly and very painterly with watercolours. His style was very modern, loose and impressionistic, but still with strong roots in life-drawing, animals drawing and academic composition.
Aubrey Vincent Beardsley was an English artist and illustrator, whose brief yet impactful career left an indelible mark on the art world. Born in Brighton, England, in 1872, Beardsley's work was instrumental in the development of the Art Nouveau movement, and he is often remembered for his bold, innovative illustrations that challenged Victorian sensibilities with their erotic and often grotesque imagery.
Beardsley's artistic journey was characterized by his unique ability to blend influences from Japanese woodcuts with the aesthetic of the English Art Nouveau movement. His illustrations are distinguished by their stark contrasts of black and white, intricate details, and the absence of middle tones, creating a dramatic and unmistakable style. He was particularly known for his illustrations for the limited edition of "Le Morte D'Arthur," which were celebrated for their elaborate detail and pre-Raphaelite influences, despite their sometimes grotesque details. This work, along with his contributions to "The Yellow Book" and illustrations for Oscar Wilde's "Salome," showcased his talent for capturing the decadent and the macabre, earning him both acclaim and controversy (Wikipedia, The Collector).
Beardsley's career, though short-lived due to his untimely death at the age of 25 from tuberculosis, was marked by significant contributions to various publications, including "The Studio" and "The Savoy," which he co-founded. His work for "The Yellow Book," where he served as art editor, was particularly influential. The magazine, using the latest image-reproduction technology of the time, allowed Beardsley to make dramatic use of black and white space, reflecting his vision of modern life and aesthetics (V&A Museum).
Despite facing health challenges and controversies, including being dismissed from "The Yellow Book" during the scandal surrounding Oscar Wilde's arrest, Beardsley continued to work on projects that pushed the boundaries of conventional morality and art. His illustrations for works like Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" and his retelling of the Tannhäuser legend are testament to his enduring creative spirit and his willingness to explore themes of decadence, sexuality, and the grotesque.
Beardsley's legacy extends beyond his death, influencing not only the Art Nouveau movement but also future generations of artists and illustrators. His work continues to be celebrated for its daring originality and its challenge to the norms of his time. The Victoria and Albert Museum, among others, has celebrated Beardsley's contributions to art and culture, showcasing his ability to intertwine the beautiful and the grotesque in ways that remain provocative and engaging to this day.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Beardsley's work offers a fascinating glimpse into the aesthetic and cultural shifts of the late 19th century. His influence on poster art, illustration, and the broader Art Nouveau movement underlines the significant impact he had during his brief career. To stay updated on sales and auction events related to Aubrey Vincent Beardsley's work, signing up for updates can provide exclusive access to the continuing legacy of this remarkable artist.
The Master of Bedford was a French miniaturist and manuscript illustrator.
This master of the chapbook worked in Paris from 1405-1435 and is considered one of the most important 15th-century illuminators. He ran an influential workshop in Paris. The artist received his name after his work on two books, which he decorated with illustrations for John Lancaster, Duke of Bedford. One of these, The Bedford Hours, is considered one of the most outstanding illuminated manuscripts extant from the medieval period, with numerous illustrations and extensive decoration, including more than 1,200 decorative medallions that appear in the margins of each page.
Marcus Behmer, full name Marcus Michael Douglas Behmer, known by the pseudonyms Marcotino und Maurice Besnaux, is a German artist, graphic designer and illustrator.
Marcus was the son of the painter Hermann Behmer, participated in World War I and painted miniature portraits of fellow soldiers. From 1900 he began to collaborate with Munich periodicals and book publishers. Bemer drew hundreds of drawings and illustrations and published a series of engravings that were recognized and successful. He also designed typefaces.
In 1936, Behmer was convicted of homosexuality and spent a year and a half in prison, where the artist also found the strength to draw. During World War II, almost all of Bemer's creations were lost or destroyed.
Peter Behrens was a seminal figure in modern design and architecture, heralded as the first industrial designer and a pioneer in modernist architecture. Born in Hamburg, Germany, Behrens's influence spanned across various domains, including architecture, industrial design, and graphic design. His holistic design approach was revolutionary, encompassing everything from architectural projects to corporate identities.
Behrens's association with AEG (Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft) marked a significant chapter in his career. Hired as an artistic consultant in 1907, he crafted a comprehensive corporate identity for AEG, including the iconic AEG Turbine Factory (1909), a hallmark of industrial classicism and modernism. This work is celebrated for its pioneering approach to industrial architecture and design, integrating form and function with unprecedented clarity and coherence.
His architectural ventures displayed a versatility and an evolution of style, from the monumental, stripped classical form seen in the German Embassy in St Petersburg (1912) and the Administration Building for Continental AG in Hannover (1912-1914), to the expressive Brick Expressionism of the Technical Administration Building of Hoechst AG in Frankfurt (1920-1924). Behrens's work in the 1920s, including the design for the 'New Ways' house in Northampton, UK, and contributions to the Weissenhof Estate in Stuttgart, underscored his shift towards New Objectivity and modernist principles.
Moreover, Behrens's educational contributions were profound, with his teaching stints at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna influencing a new generation of architects, including luminaries such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, and Walter Gropius, who would themselves go on to define the course of 20th-century architecture.
Behrens's legacy is a testament to the transformative power of design, illustrating how integrated and forward-thinking approaches can redefine our built environment and the objects we use daily. His work remains an essential study for collectors, experts in art and antiques, and anyone interested in the evolution of modern design and architecture.
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Vladimir Georgievich Bekhteev (Russian: Владимир Георгиевич Бехтеев) was a Russian artist and painter, born in 1878 and passing away in 1971. His journey into the art world led him from Russia to Munich on the advice of Sergei Jawlensky, where he was deeply influenced by the artistic and intellectual environment of the city, particularly through his connections with the Jawlensky household and the vibrant café culture. Bekhteev's early works, such as "Autumn Alley" (1905), showcase his assimilation of late Impressionist techniques and the influence of Van Gogh, reflecting a period of significant artistic development during his time in Germany.
Bekhteev's art gained recognition and was collected by prominent figures in the avant-garde art scene. His participation in exhibitions reflects a broad interest in various subjects, from landscapes to memories of Africa, demonstrating his versatility and curiosity as an artist. His works have been featured in international exhibitions and have fetched notable prices at auctions, indicating a continued interest and appreciation for his contributions to Russian and European art.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Bekhteev's works represent an intriguing intersection of Russian and European artistic movements in the early 20th century. His unique approach to color, form, and subject matter offers a distinctive perspective within the broader context of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art.
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Veniamin Pavlovich Belkin (Russian: Вениамин Павлович Белкин), a distinguished Russian and Soviet artist, was born in 1884 and made significant contributions to the fields of painting, graphic arts, and teaching until his death in 1951. His extensive teaching career included positions at prestigious institutions such as the Higher Institute of Photos and Photo Equipment, the Baron A.L. Stieglitz Central School of Technical Drawing, Vhuteine, the State Architectural Institute, and the Leningrad Institute of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture named after Ilya Repin. In 1955, a memorial exhibition in Leningrad posthumously honored his artistic legacy.
Belkin's artworks, characterized by their depth and artistic integrity, are held in high regard within major museum collections, including the State Tretyakov Gallery and the State Russian Museum, as well as various regional museums. His contributions to Russian art are celebrated for their historical and cultural significance, bridging the gap between pre-revolutionary and Soviet art.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Belkin's work represents an intriguing investment, embodying the rich tapestry of Russian history and culture. His legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary art, making his pieces sought after by connoisseurs around the world.
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