Felix Ziem

Felix Ziem – First architect, then successful painter of the Barbizon School

Felix Ziem was born on 26 February 1821 in Beaune, the son of a Croatian immigrant and a
Burgundian. Ziem was initially interested in architecture which he studied in Dijon and subsequently
worked for a time as an architect. Painting only took the form of a hobby in his early years, but a
study trip to Italy encouraged him to pursue a career as an artist. His stay in Venice, in particular,
bestowed him with rich inspiration and motivated the creation of numerous works of his own. First
and foremost, he painted landscapes, still lifes, portraits and watercolours. With his scepticism of
academic teaching and his immediate deep sensitivity for nature, he proved to be a worthy
representative of the Barbizon School from the start. Felix Ziem did not have to wait long for the
desired artistic success: his first exhibition in the Paris Salon in 1849 was quickly established as a
permanent exhibition. In contrast, the artist chose not to stay long in one place – he loved to travel,
eagerly collecting impressions and experiences which were condensed in his pictures.

Artistic compositions out of colour and light

Felix Ziem sought stimulation and motifs on his travels rather than relaxation. He did not shy away
from adversity and visited Istanbul during the Crimean War. He captured his collected impressions in
numerous sketchbooks which he turned into impressive paintings with glowing colours and
fascinating light effects. He achieved the latter, in particular, with such great artistic skill that his
paintings were imbued with an almost uncanny liveliness. In doing so, he achieved time and again his
own painterly perspective which stood out from that hitherto known in a unique way, despite the
unmistakeable stylistic affinity with artists such as Monet. In 1860, he finally settled in Montmartre,
the famous artist quarter in Paris. Having been spoilt by success, Ziem was very generous towards
those less fortunate – he supported young artists who had not yet been able to establish themselves
with the proceeds of his coveted and highly paid works.

Fame and honour for a whole artist’s life

Felix Ziem received high ranking prizes and awards for his celebrated artworks: The French
government made him a Knight of the Legion of Honour, and in 1901 he was appointed official
painter of the French Navy, Peintre Officel de la Marine, associated with the elevation to the rank of
officer. In addition, he was the first living artist to have pictures acquired by the world-famous
Louvre. His influence on the following generations of artists cannot be underestimated. Felix Ziem
died on 10 November 1911 in Paris. His grave is located in the well-known Père Lachaise, the largest
cemetery in Paris, and the first park cemetery in the world. The park was once the extensive gardens
of the Jesuit priest François d’Aix de Lachaise – something the nature lover and landscape painter
would have appreciated. Just like the fact that the Southern French harbour town of Martigues has
established an entire museum in his honour, the Musée Ziem.