Robert Hainard

(Swiss, 1906–1999)

Robert Hainard was a Swiss naturalist painter, known for his observational drawings and engravings of animals. Born on September 11, 1906 in Geneva, Switzerland, he was the son of two painters, Philippe Hainard and Eugenie Hainard-Béchard. His father taught him to draw at the age of 12 and by his 20s, Hainard pioneered a new engraving technique and began showing work at the Geneva Salon. His dark prints of animals in their habitats were published in many books, including Wild Animals of Europe, which went on to be reprinted a dozen times. Hainard died on December 26, 1999 in Gland, Switzerland.