Hans Zatzka

Hans Zatzka (8 March 1859 – 17 December 1945[1] or 1949[2]) was an Austrian Academic and fantasy[3] painter. He has sometimes been known as P. Ronsard,[2] Pierre de Ronsard,[1] or H. Zabateri,[3][4] and signed many of his works as Joseph Bernard, J. Bernard, or Bernard Zatzka.[5] The purpose of Zatzka's vast array of pseudonyms was to avoid penalties of breaking contracts which limited the amount of artwork he could sell.[1][5] This has caused some art databases to conflate Zatzka's work under the pseudonym Joseph Bernard with the French sculptor with the same name.[5]

"P. Ronsard" redirects here. For the poet, see Pierre de Ronsard.
Not to be confused with the sculptor Joseph Bernard.

Biography
Beauty with Flowers in an Interior

Hans Zatzka was born on 8 March 1859 in Vienna. His father was a construction worker, and his mother was the actress Hilde Sochor.[1] Between 1877 and 1882, he studied at the Academie des Beaux-Arts,[2] under Christian Griepenkerl, Carl Wurzinger, and Karl von Blaas.[1] Zatzka was able to earn a living through the production of frescoes for churches and other institutions.[1][3]

In 1885, Zatzka was commissioned to create the ceiling fresco The Naiad of Baden at Kurhaus Baden.[5]

Artwork
Die Quellnymphe, as reproduced on a postcard in 1890

Many of Zatzka's works were religious paintings and altar pieces dedicated to various churches in Austria.[2] However, he is more known for his paintings of women, fairies,[2] and other fantastical scenes.[3] Often, he would draw inspiration from the works of Richard Wagner and the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm.[3]

In the late 19th and early 20th century, several pieces by Zatzka were photographed and made into commercial and collectable postcards.[1][5]

During the 1920s, Zatzka's style became the decor of choice throughout Europe.[3] In addition, the previous thirty years held a resurgence for Zatzka.[6]

Currently, most of Zatzka's paintings reside in private collections.[5]

Sales

Between 1997 and 2008, 619 of his paintings had been sold, amounting to a total value of $945,495.[7] On average his paintings sell for $49,762.[8] The greatest sum a painting has garnered in auction was $176,988.[8]

In 2007, Zatka's 'A superb pair of oval paintings on canvas' sold at the Aspire Auctions for $53,763.[9]

Legacy

In 2004, Somalia created stamps with four Zatzka motifs: a harem dancer, a few nymphs, a spring goddess, and the night sky.[1]

Awards
  • 1880: Golden Fügermedal[1][5]
  • The Temptation
  • Madonna and Child with Angels
  • Two Women and a Goat
  • Sledding
  • Blumenreigen, ca. 1900

References
  1. maria laterza. "Hans Zatzka ~ Academic painter - Tutt'Art@ - Pittura * Scultura * Poesia * Musica -".
  2. "Hans Zatzka Paintings Reproduction and Biography".
  3. "Hans Zatzka (Austrian, 1859-1945)".
  4. "Print - 'The Last Supper' by H.Zabateri, Framed,1920". Museum Victoria Collections.
  5. "HANS ZATZKA, Austrian (1859-1945) A Fine Oil on Canvas "In Search of Love" Depicting a standing young maiden by the lake shore giving her farewell goodbye to a departing cupid riding a sea shell and being pulled over water by a swan. Signed (l/r): H. Zatzka. Circa: 1885 Great quality! Framed".
  6. "Hans Zatzka (Austrian, 1859-1945), "Madonna and Child"".
  7. "Hans Zatzka".
  8. "Biography of Hans Zatzka - BLOUIN ARTINFO, The Premier Global Online Destination for Art and Culture - BLOUIN ARTINFO".
  9. "Hans Zatzka (Austrian, 1859 - 1945)".
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