40 fabulous illustrations from a century ago by the magician Jon Bauer

Swedish artist and illustrator Jon Bauer was born in Jönköping in 1882. At the beginning of his career, the artist traveled a lot in Lapland, Germany and Italy, and the local culture had a great influence on his work. Bauer's paintings and illustrations are in the style of romantic nationalism; he was also influenced by the Italian Renaissance and the culture of the Sami, the indigenous people of Northern Europe.

The main themes of Bauer's works are landscapes and mythology, but he also painted portraits. Bauer is best known for his illustrations for the early edition of the anthology of Swedish folklore and fairy tales "Among Elves and Trolls".

Most of Bauer's works are watercolors or engravings in monochrome or muted tones; he also painted oil paintings and created frescoes. His illustrations and paintings have greatly expanded the understanding and recognition of Swedish folklore, fairy tales and landscapes.

In 1918, when Bauer was 36 years old, he, along with his wife Esther and son Bengt, drowned on Lake Vettern in southern Sweden as a result of a shipwreck. This collection of fabulous illustrations is only part of the works written by Jon Bauer in 1900-1910.