De Faesch, Jean-Louis

Also known by the German version of his name Johann Ludwig Faesch, [De Foesch, Foech, Foesch, Fäsch and Fish]. In the early years of his work as an artist, it is thought that he used the pseudonym Whirsker. De Faesch was born into a middle class family in Basel, Switzerland around 1738. He initially trained in law, but left his studies to become an amateur theatrical artist. The use of the pseudonym, Whirsker in the early years of his career is thought to have been to help prevent any scandal of his association with the theatre attaching itself to his family name. His unique style was to paint the actors, usually alone or in pairs, never more than this, detached from their setting, and depicting very few props. He used watercolours and gouache on vellum (treated cow hide), and according to early sources occasionally on ivory as well. He would pay particular attention to their costume, often using liquid gold or silver to pick out the details.