Friedrich Olivier

Friedrich Olivier was an artist active across the first half of the nineteenth century, operating between 1791 and 1846. Known primarily for his detailed draftsmanship, his works preserved in institutional collections demonstrate an attention to both biblical narrative and observational landscape studies.

Olivier’s historical significance is confirmed by his representation in major American institutions, with at least six drawings held across collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art. The works represented encompass diverse subject matter. Narrative pieces include the drawing Return of the Prodigal Son and the spiritual study The Good Shepherd, which bears Cloud Studies on its verso. Alongside these religious and narrative themes, Olivier explored landscape and detailed observation, exemplified by Shriveled Leaves and the architectural study A Corner of the Colosseum.

Other documented works, such as Fighting Horsemen, suggest an additional interest in historical or genre themes. As an artist whose active career predates 1850, many works by Olivier are now in the public domain. This accessibility allows researchers and collectors to acquire high-quality prints and study the nuanced draftsmanship characteristic of Friedrich Olivier prints preserved in major institutional holdings.