Famous Romanian Artists

The European country of Romania has a rich artistic heritage. Romanian artists have studied at prestigious Western European universities and usually completed their studies in Paris, France.

Romanian artist Theodor Aman is a well-known 19th-century painter and a key founder of modern Romanian painting. He studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in France and mixed French academic style with Romanian art and folklore. His artworks include historical paintings and portraits. The artist highlights the tools, canvases, and materials used, showing the active art movements and creative process. His artworks reflect the influence of Paris on Romanian painters who left Paris to shape modern Romanian painting. His art is important in the history of Romanian art movements and the 20th-century legacy.

Romanian artist Nina Arbore was a distinguished painter and illustrator. She studied at the Women’s Academy of the Munich Artist’s Association and later worked at Henri Matisse’s studio in Paris. Later, along with friends Cecilia Cutescu-Storck and Olga Greceanu, she formed the “Grup al celor trei doamne” (Group of Three Ladies), countering the “Grupul celor patru” (Group of Four). Her artwork earned her the first prize at the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. She taught at the Academy of Decorative Arts.

Romanian artist Ion Andreescu was a prominent painter who showed artistic promise at a young age, winning first prize in an art contest. He studied at the National School of Fine Arts and later went on to Paris. He showed great potential for plein-air painting. He died an untimely death due to tuberculosis.

Romanian artist Stefan Dimitrescu (artwork pictured above) left an indelible mark on Romanian post-impressionist art. He studied at the National School of Fine Arts. Later continuing his studies in Paris. Dimitrescu co-founded the Art of Romania Association and, with other prominent artists, formed Grupul celor patru (“The Group of Four”). He was inspired by Byzantine art and the artwork of Paul Cézanne.

Romanian artist Nicolae Grigorescu was a pioneer of modern Romanian painting. He studied art under Czech painter Anton Chladek and later continued his studies in Paris. His artwork reflects the influences of both the Barbizon School and impressionism. He created landscapes, pastoral scenes, and portraits.

Romanian artist Constantin Lecca was a key figure in Romanian art during the 19th century. The artist was influenced by neoclassicism and Romanticism. He created important scenes from Romanian history and folklore. Lecca helped found the Bucharest Academy of Fine Arts. His painting “Lady Reading a Musical Score” shows a woman deeply focused on studying music. The artist uses soft, delicate brushstrokes to highlight her calm and elegant posture. This work reflects the refined style of early Romanian art movements and the cultural atmosphere of the time.

Romanian artist Stefan Luchian was a prominent painter known for his landscapes and still lifes. He studied at the Fine Arts School in Bucharest, the Munich Fine Arts Academy, and the Académie Julian in Paris. He was influenced by impressionism and post-impressionism art. His works of art reflected a fusion of symbolist elements, including Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, and Mir iskusstva.

Romanian artist Demetrescu Mirea was a prominent portrait painter, muralist, and art educator. He studied at the Scoala Nationala de Arte Frumoase (Bucharest National University of Arts). Mirea’s artistic journey took a unique turn when he fought in the Russo-Turkish War, creating military campaign scenes and related subjects for army headquarters. With the support of Ion Ghica and a recommendation from Nicolae Grigorescu, he secured a scholarship to study at the “École des Beaux-Arts” in Paris, studying under the tutelage of Carolus-Duran until 1884.

Romanian artist Dimitrie Serafim was recognized for his contributions to both the Academic and Impressionist styles. He furthered his studies at the Académie Julian in Paris. He was known for creating large canvases based on mythological themes. Serafim had artistic versatility and influence on Romania’s creative landscape.