oil on canvas, 63x91 cm unframed,signed and dated p.d.:R Bahl 34. Dantzig/Oliwa
He studied painting at the Royal School of Arts and Crafts with Wilhelm August Stryowski, and from 1888-1892 at the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts. He completed his studies at the Académie Julian in Paris (1893), Frankfurt (1893-1895) and Dresden (1896-1898). He made an artistic trip to Italy and France. In 1898-1934 in Danzig, he taught art subjects at the State Craftsmen's Supplementary School at An der Großen Mühle 11/13 (Wielkie Młyny Street), taught at the City Gymnasium and at a private school for boys in Oliva (in Abbots Palace).
He painted scenes from the streets of Gdansk, views of the port of Gdansk. His works depict corners rarely painted by other artists and have a somewhat melancholy atmosphere. He would set up his easel so that the painted view would force the viewer to associate the place that served as inspiration. Drawing on the experience of the Impressionists, he used an elegant, cool and muted color scheme, with predominantly silvery-gray tones, complemented by olive greens and browns, only enlivened in places by accents of juicy greens, reds and yellows. At the exhibitions of the Society of Friends of Art in 1897 and 1901, he showed portraits and the interior of St. Nicholas Church. He had solo exhibitions at the Fore Gate Complex on Langgasse (Dluga Street). In April 1898 in Kiel he exhibited portraits and studies of the interiors of Gdansk churches. Member of the Association of Danzig Painters (Verein der Danziger Maler).
