Apcar Baltazar

Background

He was born into a family of shopkeepers.

Education

From 1891 to 1896, he attended the "Cantemir Vodă" Gymnasium, where he received high grades in his drawing classes. After winning a scholarship competition at the "National School of Fine Arts" (now known as the Bucharest National University of Arts), he studied with George Demetrescu Mirea and graduated in 1901.

Career

His first name is often spelled Abgar, due to differing transliterations from Armenian. He also made the acquaintance of art historian Alexandru Tzigara-Samurcaș, who introduced him to Romanian folk art Over the next year, he applied twice at the "Ministry of Religion and Public Instruction" for a scholarship to study abroad, but was denied both times.

In 1903, he had his first showing at an exhibition held by "Tinerimea artistică" (Artistic Youth).

He also worked as a clerk for a year at the above-mentioned Ministry before tendering his resignation. From 1904 to 1905, he became a contributor to his friends" journal.

In 1907, he had his first solo exhibition at the Sala Ateneului. He also began working as a regular columnist for the magazine Viața Românească, where he wrote about the art industry, art education, trends in style and other topics.

He also wrote articles for the journal Convorbiri Literare (Literary Talk).

In 1909, his former employers at the Ministry of Religion sent him to Horezu Monastery to study the condition of its art works and write a report for the "Bulletin of the Historical Monuments Commission". He was preparing to do further studies on other historical monuments and travel to Paris to research methods of restoration, but died of an unspecified heart ailment. A major retrospective of his work was held at the National Museum of Art of Romania to celebrate his birth centennial in 1980.

Connections

Friend:

Ilarie Chendi