Constant Artz (Paris 1870-1951 Soest) is synonymous with paintings of ducks and gentle impressionist scenes. Artz dedicated his life to this subject because of his love for nature and the success it brought him.
Born in Paris, he was the son of Hague School painter D.A.C. Artz, who studied under Gustave Courbet. During this period, many Dutch artists spent time in Paris, the 19th-century art capital where all new artistic developments emerged. Constant was thus steeped in the Dutch variant of Impressionism from an early age. He was introduced to his father’s artist friends, including Jacob and Matthijs Maris and Willem Mesdag, who were regular visitors to their home. This early exposure to art and artists played a crucial role in shaping his future as a painter.
Although Artz also painted some genre scenes, cityscapes, and still lifes, he decided to focus on Dutch landscapes with willows and windmills, and the maritime world. Above all, he painted families of ducks, influenced by Maris. Typically, his paintings feature a mother duck with her brood, either resting on the bank or swimming peacefully in the water. The shores are often lined with willows or birch trees with their white bark. Artz painted his subjects with a swift, impressionistic touch, with a keen sense of color and light. His technique involved using loose, expressive brushstrokes to capture the essence and movement of his subjects. Unlike Maris's work, Artz's pieces are smaller and his brushstrokes are less robust, but the play of light and shadow is a clear similarity between the two artists. Artz had a flawless eye for detail, showcasing his talent as both a painter and an accomplished watercolorist.
In addition to painting, Artz also taught drawing. He was known for his dedication to his students and his ability to convey complex artistic concepts in an accessible manner. During the wartime period, he managed to support his family by trading paintings for food, a testament to his resilience and resourcefulness. In his later years, his eyesight deteriorated significantly, resulting in broader, less detailed works. Despite this, he continued to paint with the same passion and dedication. Artz passed away at the age of 80 in Soest, where he had lived for many years, except for a five-year period in Katwijk aan Zee. His work is held in various museums and is present in many private collections. His legacy lives on through the many paintings that continue to captivate audiences with their charm and beauty.
