Biography

Swiss painter. He learned painting from Johann Heinrich Roos, whose sons he would have known well. He traveled to Germany, England and the Netherlands in the 1680s to study. In 1689, he became court painter to Count Hermann Jakob Cern.

Byss' most important works were done during his stay in Prague. He is credited with bringing the Netherlandish and Italian classic styles to the art sphere in Prague.

Johann Rudolf Byss obtained the citizenship of Prague in 1692. Two years later, he entered into the painters' guild, of which he later became master. He is known for religious works and flower still-lifes.

Johann Adalbert Angermayer was his pupil.