Flower Girl By Hans Zatzka

Hans Zatzka(1859-1945)
The florist
Oil on wood
24 x 13.5 cm
33 x 22 cm with frame
Monogrammed lower left: HZ
Provenance: Private Collection Karl Sochor, Vienna

Hans Zatzka was born in Vienna and, at the young age of eighteen, enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts in his home city. From 1877 to 1882 he studied under Professor Blaas, and receiveda gold medal from the Academy in 1880. Known primarily as a fantasy artist,hismost popular and valuable works depict figures of young maidens, cherubs, floral still-life and cheerful Orientalist themes.

In the late 19th and early 20th century, many of Zatzka’s works were photographed and turned into commercial and collectable postcards.Mass production ofhis “boudoir images” – scantily clad women,mermaids, nymphs and sirens – proved to be quite lucrative for the artist. In the 1920’s, his style became the decor of choice throughout Europe. There is still a healthy market for his work and his images continue to be sold internationally in both galleries and at auctions.