Carl Haag: Victorian Court Painter and Travelling Adventurer between Orient and Occident

Carl Haag was a painter who gained acclaim for his colorful scenes of the Orient and true-to-life portraits. He attended art school in Nuremberg and became a sought-after portraitist in Munich. He was court painter to the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and traveled extensively through Europe. This first biography by Walter Karbach conveys a vivid impression of society in the Victorian age and elicits enthusiasm for Haag's landscape sketches, portraits, and drawings of ruins.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2019
Publisher: De Gruyter

The artist Carl Haag (1820-1915) achieved fame for his vibrant portrayals of the Orient and lifelike portraits, where Nubian slaves, Arabian camel drivers, or Egyptian snake charmers added an exciting touch to the visual landscape. After pursuing art education in Nuremberg, the son of a baker rose to prominence as a sought-after portraitist in Munich, later honing his craft with watercolor painting in Brussels and London. Serving as the court painter to the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, he worked closely with Queen Victoria of Britain. His watercolors, depicting the royal family's life in the Scottish Highlands, are now cherished in the royal collection. Haag, always seeking new artistic inspirations, embarked on extensive travels throughout Europe. In 1859, he set off for the Orient, visiting Cairo, Jerusalem, Damascus, Palmyra, and Baalbek.

In this captivating first biography about the artist, Walter Karbach provides a vivid portrayal of society during the Victorian era, delving into Haag's artistic influences, personal preferences, and the relationships he forged with fellow artists and patrons. At the same time, he evokes enthusiasm for Haag's landscape sketches, portraits, and drawings of ruins, which exhibit a fascinating blend of documentary representations and romantic or idealized scenic views.

Haag's artistic journey began in Nuremberg, where he attended art school and honed his skills. His talent and dedication soon caught the attention of art enthusiasts, and he became a sought-after portraitist in Munich. His portraits, characterized by their lifelike quality and attention to detail, captured the essence of his subjects and earned him a reputation as a master of his craft.

Haag's artistic influences were diverse, drawing inspiration from various sources. He was particularly drawn to the works of old masters, such as Rembrandt and Velázquez, who mastered the art of capturing the human soul and expressing emotions through their paintings. Haag's portraits also reflected his fascination with the natural world, with his subjects often depicted in outdoor settings or surrounded by nature.

In addition to his portraiture, Haag also developed a passion for landscape painting. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, exploring different landscapes and capturing their beauty in his watercolors. His landscapes ranged from serene pastoral scenes to dramatic mountain vistas, and they showcased his ability to capture the essence of a place through his unique artistic vision.

Haag's work as a court painter to the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha brought him into close contact with the royal family. He was tasked with capturing their likeness and preserving their memories through his art. His watercolors of the royal family in the Scottish Highlands, for example, are now part of the royal collection and showcase his talent for capturing the essence of a place and the people who inhabit it.

Haag's artistic journey continued to evolve as he refined his skills and sought new challenges. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting cities such as Paris, Rome, and Venice, and immersing himself in the rich cultural heritage of each place. His travels inspired him to create new works of art, and he continued to push the boundaries of his artistic expression.

In conclusion, Carl Haag was a talented artist who left an indelible mark on the world of art. His vibrant portrayals of the Orient and lifelike portraits, combined with his passion for landscape painting, showcased his unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of his subjects. Haag's work as a court painter to the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha brought him into close contact with the royal family, and his watercolors of the Scottish Highlands are now part of the royal collection. Through his art, Haag transported his viewers to different worlds, capturing the beauty and complexity of the human experience. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts to this day.

Weight: 948g
Dimension: 150 x 231 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783422074934