Register der Contrafeit, so Ich nach dem Leben gemahldt habe records that Johann Rudolf Huber executed over 5,000 portrait works during his career. This vast inventory, compiled between 1683 and 1718, highlights the productivity of a Swiss artist who navigated both the private portrait market and the formal requirements of European court life throughout the eighteenth century.
Early Training and European Travels
Born in Basel on 21 April 1668, Huber was the son of Alexander Huber, an innkeeper and member of the Grand Council of Basel. He began formal drawing instruction under a member of the Wannenwetsch family before starting an apprenticeship with portraitist Hans Kaspar Meyer in 1682. From 1684 to 1687, he studied at Joseph Werner's academy in Bern. His pursuit of technical mastery led him to Italy, where he attended an academy in Venice. He later spent three years as an apprentice to landscape and marine painter Pieter Mulier the Younger in Haarlem, where he contributed figures to landscape compositions. His travels subsequently extended to Rome, where he accessed the Accademia di San Luca, as well as Lyon and Paris.
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Upon returning to Basel in 1693, Huber married Catharina Faesch. He joined the Grand Council of Basel in 1694. His professional standing benefited from the patronage of Frederick VII, Margrave of Baden-Durlach. This connection led to a commission as court painter to Eberhard Louis, Duke of Württemberg. Between 1697 and 1699, Huber produced extensive wall and ceiling paintings at the Old Castle in Stuttgart. By 1701, he had taken on the role of building inspector for the upper region of the Margraviate of Baden-Durlach, a position necessitating oversight in territories recovering from the Nine Years' War.
Professional Maturity in Bern and Basel
Seeking greater demand for his portraiture, Huber relocated to Bern, where he resided from 1702 until 1738. During this period, he produced approximately 400 portraits of local society members and city officials, alongside heraldic designs, city seals, and clock face paintings. Despite this shift, he maintained winter working trips to Basel. In 1738, he moved back to Basel permanently, becoming a member of the Small Council in 1740. He continued his artistic output until 1746 and died on 28 February 1748 at the age of 79.
Fast facts
- Born: 21 April 1668, Basel, Switzerland
- Died: 28 February 1748, Basel, Switzerland
- Occupations: Politician, engraver, artist, painter
- Primary Register: Register der Contrafeit, so Ich nach dem Leben gemahldt habe
- Notable Subjects: Charles III William, Margrave of Baden-Durlach; Joseph I, Holy Roman Emperor; Albrecht von Haller
- Key Apprenticeship: Pieter Mulier the Younger
- Political Positions: Member of the Grand Council and Small Council of Basel
- Spouse: Catharina Faesch
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Johann Rudolf Huber paint?
He is best known for portraiture, including figures such as Joseph I, Holy Roman Emperor, and Margrave Charles III William of Baden-Durlach. He also produced landscape figures, heraldry, and city seals.
Where are his records of completed works located?
His register of works, titled Register der Contrafeit, so Ich nach dem Leben gemahldt habe, is currently held at the Kunstmuseum Winterthur.
