Theodor Aman

Q: Which institution did Aman help establish and serve as its first director?

The National School of Fine Arts

A Life of Art and Patriotism

Theodor Aman was a Romanian painter, engraver, and art professor. Born in Câmpulung, Romania, he displayed an early affinity for art, receiving his first lessons from Constantin Lecca and Carol Wallenstein de Vella at Carol I National College. His artistic journey led him to Paris, where he studied with Michel Martin Drolling and later François-Édouard Picot. During his time in Paris, he became part of Romanian revolutionary circles and was friends with Nicolae Bălcescu, Dimitrie Bolintineanu, and Cezar Bolliac. His patriotic sentiments were deeply reflected in his work, including the historical painting Mihai Viteazul’s First Night at Alba Iulia.

Aman's career was marked by significant historical engagement. He participated in the Romanian Revolution of 1848 and traveled to Istanbul and Sevastopol, creating history paintings related to Romanian nationalist aspirations, such as the Battle of Alma, which he presented at the Exposition Universelle in 1855. After returning to Romania, he settled in Bucharest, where he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the National School of Fine Arts, serving as its first director.

Artistic Evolution and Legacy

Throughout his career, Aman's focus shifted through various genres and mediums. While he was known for producing genre and history scenes, his later years saw a transition toward painting still life and small portraits. His technical expertise spanned several disciplines, including:

Following his death in Bucharest, his home and workshop were converted into the Theodor Aman Museum. This institution stands as one of the oldest memorial museums in Romania, preserving a large number of his paintings. His likeness was also featured on a commemorative stamp issued by Poșta Română in 2014.