Félix Ziem

Félix-François Georges Philibert Ziem, born in Beaune, was a renowned French painter celebrated for his marine scenes and landscapes, particularly those of Venice and Constantinople.

Hailing from a family of Polish immigrants, he was the son of tailor Georges Barthélémy Ziem and Anne-Marie Goudot. In 1833, the family moved from Beaune to Dijon, where Ziem began his artistic training in drawing and architecture at the École des beaux-arts de Dijon. However, due to his indiscipline, he was expelled shortly after winning an award in 1838.

To pursue his career, Ziem relocated to Marseille, where he worked on construction sites while developing his artistic skills. In 1840, he discovered Martigues, and encouraged by commissions from the nobility, he opened a drawing school.

His travels became a significant source of inspiration. His encounter with Italy in 1842, particularly Venice, marked a pivotal point in his career, providing him with an bottomless well of inspiration. Additionally, Ziem traveled to Russia, where he was welcomed by the nobility and taught watercolor techniques to grand duchesses. His style evolved to feature bright, aquatic landscapes. He became a regular participant at the Salon de Paris, where he consistently exhibited works inspired by his travels.