Marius Schmidt 1868 - 1938

Marius Schmidt was born in Kolding, Denmark in 1868 and showed artistic talents early on. His father disapproved of his son's interest in art, and sent him in 1880 at age 12 to live with his uncle in the United Staes. Fortunately, his American uncle appreciated young Marius' talents, encouraged him, and later sent him back to Denmark to study with notable Danish artists.

When he returned to America, he settled in California. He lived in Oakland from 1909 to 1917, and painting coastal scenes, landscapes, California Missions and gardens. He exhibited with the San Francisco Art Association.

After 1917, due to the anti-Geman sentiment of World War I, Marius began signing his work, Marius Smith. Towards the end of his life, he lived in the Laguna Beach area until his death.

Source: Askart