Johan Johansson Werner

1600 - 1656

Quick Facts

A Life of Craft and Patronage

Johan Johansson Werner was a German-Swedish sculptor and painter who was active between 1625 and 1656. Born in Silesia, he began his training as an apprentice in Jägerdorf in 1618 before moving to Sweden in 1619. His career was marked by significant commissions for prominent figures, including Per Brahe, for whom he served as a court painter. During this period, his work spanned various mediums, including painting and sculpture, contributing to the decoration of castles, churches, and manor houses.

His diverse body of work included:

Artistic Legacy and Works

Werner's artistic output was extensive, though much of his large-scale work for Brahehus was lost in a fire in 1708. His surviving contributions are found in various locations, including Skokloster Castle and the National Museum in Stockholm. In his later years, he worked under Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie at Läckö Castle, where he began several commissions, including the decoration of the castle church and the Knights' Hall, before his death in 1656. His career was characterized by a diverse range of both painting and sculptural works.

His notable surviving or documented works include:

Questions & Answers

Is there a complete list of Johan Johansson Werner's artworks?

Every work by Johan Johansson Werner on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

Can I explore Johan Johansson Werner's works by color spectrum?

The Spectral Index of Johan Johansson Werner is a page that organizes the artist's artworks by their colors.

Where is Johan Johansson Werner from?

Johan Johansson Werner was born in Poland.

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which year did Johan Johansson Werner immigrate to Sweden?
Question 2:
Which nobleman employed Werner as a court portraitist in 1637?
Question 3:
At which castle did Werner work on ceiling paintings in the knights' hall?
Question 4:
Werner is credited with a painting of the 'Adoration of the Shepherds' located in which church?
Question 5:
What was Werner's profession in addition to being a painter?