Baumann, Gustave

Gustave Baumann (1881-1971) was born in Germany in 1881. His family immigrated to the United States in 1891, settling in Chicago. At the age of 17, Baumann worked for a commercial engraving house while attending night classes at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He returned to Germany in 1905 where he studied wood carving and mastered the European technique of color wood block prints. After a year in Munich, Baumann resettled in Chicago, supporting himself in the commercial art field while searching for a place to inspire his fine art.

In 1918, Baumann headed west. Taos proved too small a village so he headed to Santa Fe. The Fine Art Museum had opened the previous year and its open door policy for artists appealed to Baumann.

Baumann’s interest wasn’t just limited to color woodcut. He produced oils and sculpture, created over sixty marionettes that provided the community with annual Christmas shows.

Further information on Gustave Baumann can be obtained by reading Gustave Baumann: Nearer to Art by Martin Krause and David Acton and Hand of a Craftsman: The Woodcut Technique of Gustave Baumann by David Acton.

Images may be available in various poster sizes, notecards, and matted notecards.