German artist Franz Joachim Beich was a renowned painter of landscapes and religious scenes who became the court painter to Maximilian III Joseph, the Elector of Bavaria.
Although born in Germany, Beich developed his style during a ten-year tour of Italy. He worked predominantly in Rome, Livorno and Naples, gathering inspiration from the pioneers of landscape art. Gaspard Dughet (1615-1675), also known as Gaspard Poussin, was a key influence, and this is evident in Beich’s choice of composition and subject matter. Figures are often present in his work, either religious, allegorical or, as we see here, relating to history. During his time working for the Elector of Bavaria, he produced several large works depicting battles fought in Hungary.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Beich had a keen eye for the effects of light and confidently applied intelligent highlights accordingly. This elevated his works with both depth and believability, despite the fact that his views were mostly idealised.
He’s represented at numerous museums, including the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the V&A.
Known For
Landscapes (often Italianate), religious scenes, and still life. Predominantly worked in oils but also produced etchings.
Student Of
Daniel Beich.
Lived In
Ravensberg, Germany
Munich, Germany (1694-1704)
Rome, Italy (1704-1714)
Livorno, Italy
Naples, Italy
Munich, Germany (1714-1748)
Public Collections
British Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, V&A, Kroller Muller, Statens Museum for Kunst, Fitzwilliam, Germanisches Nationalmuseum, National Museum in Stockholm, Hamburger Kunsthalle, National Gallery of Prague, Zeppelin Museum.
Sold Through
Christie’s, Bonhams.
Timeline
1665
Born in Ravensburg, Germany.
1694-1704
Active in Munich.
1704-1714
Active in Rome, Livorno and Naples.
“Formed himself in Italy upon the model of Gaspar Poussin”.
1714-1748
Active in Munich, where he became the court painter to Maximilian III Joseph, the Elector of Bavaria.
1748
Died in Munich.
Described By Others
Handbook of painting. German, Flemish, and Dutch schools by Franz Kugler, Joseph Archer, and Gustav Friedrich Waagen (1898).
“He takes the first place among the painters of ideal tendency”.
“Formed himself in Italy upon the model of Gaspar Poussin”.
“His compositions are elevated and yet rich in detail”.