DECKER, Paul the Elder
(b. 1677 Nürnberg, d. 1713 Bayreuth)
German architect, printmaker, and designer. He is noted for his ornamental designs for goldsmiths’ work, glass engraving, lacquer, etc. that were published in Nuremberg at the end of his life. His designs include chinoiseries and grotesques influenced by Jean Bérain I (1640-1711).
Decker’s main work was the large-format and comprehensively designed copper engraving collection entitled “Fürstlicher Baumeister / Oder Architectura Civilis.” Five volumes were planned, in which all aspects of the non-religious architecture of his time were to be treated.
