Anton Pieck

Dutch painter (1895–1987)

Anton Franciscus Pieck (19 April 1895 – 24 November 1987) was a Dutch painter, artist and graphic artist. His works are noted for their nostalgic or fairy tale like character and are widely popular, appearing regularly on cards and calendars. He is also known for being the first designer of the famous Dutch theme park Efteling.

Anton Franciscus Pieck was born on 19 April 1895 in Den Helder in the Netherlands. He was the son of Henri Christiaan Pieck and Petronella Neijfs, and twin brother of the painter and illustrator Henri Christiaan Pieck.

In the comic Spike and Suzy, the characters visit De Efteling three times, in De Efteling elfjes, in Fata Morgana and in De belhamel bende. In this last comic, Pieck has a cameo role when Lambik is called by someone who knows where Tante Sidonia is. Dutch poet and singer Drs. P wrote a song, "Winterdorp," as a homage to Pieck's cosy drawing style. In a 2004 poll regarding De Grootste Nederlander (The Greatest Dutchman), the general public placed Pieck in 81st place. Pieck illustrated the Dutch version of the book The Wonderful Adventures of Nils (Nils Holgersson). In Kaatsheuvel a LOM school has been named after Anton Pieck. In 1972 he designed the classic car museum "Autotron" in Drunen. After the museum collection relocated to Rosmalen, the building has been used as a cultural centre housing a broad range of activities, including theatre, restaurants, music school, and club house for the elderly. The building's name was changed to "De Voorste Venne".