Artwork
Capricci di varie battaglie (Title Page)
Capricci di varie battaglie (Title Page) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Johann Wilhelm Baur. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The title, *Capricci di varie battaglie*, means "whimsical various battles," hinting this might be more about drama than real history.
This black-and-white print shows a chaotic battle scene with soldiers, horses, and weapons. Figures are tangled in action—some ride horses, others fight on foot, and one man lies wounded on the ground. The background has a castle or fort under attack, with smoke or dust swirling around it.
The title, *Capricci di varie battaglie*, means "whimsical various battles," hinting this might be more about drama than real history. The artist signed it as "Gio Guglielmo Baur" in 1635, using a mix of Italian and German names.
Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this carved lines into metal plates.
Overview
Capricci di varie battaglie (Title Page) is an etching on laid paper created by Johann Wilhelm Baur in 1635. It serves as the title page for a series of prints inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, showcasing Baur’s printmaking expertise and classical influences.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a tumultuous battle scene with entangled figures on horseback and foot, amidst a besieged castle shrouded in smoke. The title, translating to 'whimsical various battles,' suggests an emphasis on dramatic representation over historical accuracy.
Technique & Style
Executed in etching, a technique involving carving lines into a metal plate, the work demonstrates Baur’s mastery of this medium. The monochrome palette and detailed linework characterize the piece’s visual identity.
History & Provenance
Signed 'Gio Guglielmo Baur' in 1635, reflecting the artist’s use of both Italian and German naming conventions. Baur, active in Vienna, produced this work within his prolific period before his death in 1640.
Context
Part of a broader series illustrating Ovid’s Metamorphoses, this etching situates Baur within the early 17th-century European artistic trend of engaging with classical literature through printmaking.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of Capricci di varie battaglie (Title Page) are not prominently documented, it contributes to the understanding of Baur’s contribution to the printmaking tradition of his time, particularly in interpreting classical themes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Wilhelm Baur, Joan Guiliam Bouwer, or Bauer (Strasbourg, 31 May 1607 - Vienna, 1 January 1640) was a German engraver, etcher and miniature painter. He is famous for a series of illustrations of Ovid's Metamorphoses.
