Theodor Martens

Background

Martens was born in Wismar, Germany.

Education

Martens studied with August Weber in Düsseldorf and Émile Lambinet in Paris.

Career

He had nine children. He resided in Düsseldorf, Paris, Hamburg, Schwerin and Portici, in addition to Wismar. Martens worked as a merchant until age 40 when he took up art as his full-time vocation.

His work was especially influenced by the Barbizon school masters such as Corot, Daubigny and Diaz.

He died from cholera in Portici, Italy, aged 62. His paintings are in a realistic style that anticipates the impressionists to follow.

Many landscapes and architectural subjects are included in his work. Many examples of his work may be found today at the Schwerin State Art Museum in Schwerin, Germany and in the Schwerin Castle located in that northern German city.

A painting by Martens was sold July 6, 2004 at auction at Bonhams in London for $790 (United States) it was a 27.5 by 35 centimeter oil titled "A river at dusk", the auction report did not disclose a date for the painting.

Achievements

• In 1874 he received a silver medal during a show at the London Crystal Palace.