John Bauer (1882–1918) was a Swedish artist and illustrator, known for his enchanting and distinctive work, particularly in the realm of fairy tales and folklore. He was born on June 4, 1882, in Jönköping, Sweden. Bauer’s art is often characterized by its fantastical and mythical themes, featuring trolls, elves, and other magical creatures.

Bauer gained prominence as an illustrator during the early 20th century and is closely associated with his contributions to Swedish folklore and fairy tales. His illustrations often accompanied the works of Swedish author Elsa Beskow and others. One of his notable projects was the illustrations for an annual Christmas book published by the Swedish magazine “Bland Tomtar och Troll” (Among Gnomes and Trolls), where he created captivating images that brought Swedish folklore to life.

Tragically, John Bauer’s life was cut short at the age of 36. In 1918, he, along with his wife, and their young son, lost their lives in a shipwreck in Lake Vättern, Sweden. Despite his relatively short career, Bauer’s legacy endures through his influential and iconic illustrations, which continue to captivate audiences and inspire artists to this day. His unique style, characterized by rich colors and a sense of mystery, has left an indelible mark on the world of illustration and fantasy art.