Johann Conrad Gilbert

Johann Conrad Gilbert (1734 - 1812) was an American fraktur artist. An emigrant from Germany, Gilbert ultimately settled in Berks County, Pennsylvania. By profession he was a Lutheran schoolmaster posted to several churches in Berks and Schuylkill Counties. He was married and had a large family; at his death he left his family Bible, with "writings therein", to a grandson, although this is now lost. Stylistically, Gilbert copied the work of Daniel Schumacher, borrowing also from the work of the Sussel-Washington Artist, whose own work is in turn informed by that of Johann Henrich Otto. His output consisted of baptismal records; presentation pieces, many depicting schoolmasters holding slates; religious texts; and images of the Easter rabbit, the earliest American depictions of the figure.

Johann Conrad Gilbert

Johann Conrad Gilbert (1734 - 1812) was an American fraktur artist. An emigrant from Germany, Gilbert ultimately settled in Berks County, Pennsylvania. By profession he was a Lutheran schoolmaster posted to several churches in Berks and Schuylkill Counties. He was married and had a large family; at his death he left his family Bible, with "writings therein", to a grandson, although this is now lost. Stylistically, Gilbert copied the work of Daniel Schumacher, borrowing also from the work of the Sussel-Washington Artist, whose own work is in turn informed by that of Johann Henrich Otto. His output consisted of baptismal records; presentation pieces, many depicting schoolmasters holding slates; religious texts; and images of the Easter rabbit, the earliest American depictions of the figure.