Charles (Carl) Baum (1822-1877)

Charles Baum is considered an early German-American still life painter. His canvases over-flowing with fruits and flowers seem vulgar by modern standards, but they reflect Victorian opulence and the optimistic perspective of a New World filled with abundance.

Little is known of Baum's life, except like Severin Roesen, he was born in the German Rhinland and immigrated to the United States in the wake of the European revolutions of 1848. He first settled in New York, then moved to Pennsylvania.

Like several artists, including Paul Lacroix, Charles Baum was strongly influenced by the work of Roesen. He imitated his work; his production, which included porcelain and enamel painting. Charles Baum painted numerous canvases all very similar. Fruits from all seasons mixed with flowers, bird's nests, half-filled wineglass.