Local artist Alexia Coppini was featured in a German exhibition highlighting artist Anton Schranz’s 18th and 19th century works, titled Anton Schranz (1769-1839) – A seascape painter from Ochsenhausen.

The man of the hour

Anton Schranz was a seascape painter born in Ochsenhausen and is one of the most famous historic personalities of the town! He launched his artistic career after spending a few years in the military, and started forming his dynasty of artists in November 1794 with the birth of his first son.

The artist moved to Malta in 1817 along with his wife and children, who all had a passion for art. But how how does this all tie in with Alexia? Well, she actually happens to be a fifth-generation direct descendant of Schranz.

Alexia’s experience in Germany

“I was invited by Prof John J Schranz to exhibit five of my works with the works of Anton Schranz. This was a very prestigious event which I am truly honoured and humbled to have been asked to participate in. My paintings were very well received especially since they are seascapes, which is a subject that was very close to Anton Schranz himself," she tells us.

The exhibition was perfectly presented with historical artefacts forming part of this show. The initial plans began by a family member from Germany, Ms Rosie Fink, way back in 2014.

“The Mayor of Ochsenhausen and Prof John J Schranz gave a very warm welcome speech and spoke of the importance of this great artist and his ancestors, both in Germany and Malta, and the countries travelled in between,” she says.

The upcoming exhibition

Another exhibition will be held from 21 July until 27 October 2019 in the monastery museum in Ochsenhausen, titled Anton Schranz (1769-1839) – A seascape painter from Ochsenhausen, commemorating 250 years since the artist's birth. Along with paintings from Anton Schranz himself there will also be paintings by his sons and further descendants, in addition to documents such as the original register of births with the entry of Anton Schranz’s birth, dating from 1769.