Hans Zatzka
Hans Zatzka is an Austrian academic artist, author of numerous paintings in the salon style. His name is hidden behind several pseudonyms: Zabateri, Bernard and Ronzard. Hans Zatzka studied at the Academy of Fine Arts, his teacher was Professor Blaas. In training, Hans Zatzka achieved great success and in 1880 was awarded a gold medal. After completing his studies, he made several research trips to Italy, later he was engaged in frescoes, painting in churches and portraits. Hans Zatzki was especially interested in genre painting, ideal female images and cupids (cupids). At the age of 26, he received his first significant public commission: the fresco of the ceiling at the Kurhaus Baden near Vienna. It was depicted "Naiad Baden" (original name "Badener Quellennymphe") with cupids and historical inscriptions. Hans Zatzka earned his living with religious painting, painting of churches and altars. He lived in his home studio, absorbed in his work. Hans Zatzka never took students and was not engaged in teaching activities. The only opportunity for relatives to see him was during meals. Hans Zatzka painted until the age of 80. On July 9, 1945, the then vice-mayor of Vienna Kuntschak personally proposed in writing to the deputy secretary, Professor Karl Lugmeier from Minoritenplatz, to confer the title of professor on the 87-year-old painter. On August 16, 1945, the rector of the Academy of Fine Arts announced that the professorial council unanimously approved the ministerial proposal.
