Jean Welz

Jean Welz (1900-1975) was an Austrian-born South African artist, known primarily for his still life paintings, portraits, and landscapes. He is considered a significant figure in South African art history, particularly within the modernist movement.

Welz was born in Salzburg, Austria, and received his artistic training at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. He emigrated to South Africa in 1937 to escape the growing political unrest in Europe. Initially, he worked as a commercial artist, but he soon established himself as a fine artist, exhibiting regularly and gaining critical recognition.

His work often reflects a European sensibility combined with influences from the South African environment. His still lifes are characterized by their careful composition, subtle color palettes, and attention to detail. His portraits reveal a sensitivity to his subjects, and his landscapes capture the beauty and atmosphere of the South African countryside.

Welz's paintings are held in major South African art collections, including the South African National Gallery in Cape Town and the Johannesburg Art Gallery. His contributions to the development of modern art in South Africa are widely acknowledged. He died in Cape Town in 1975.