Anton Mitov

He took a job as a clerk in Romania and remained there until Bulgaria was liberated in 1878, returning home determined to be an artist.

Upon his return home, he worked as a journalist and a teacher in Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, Varna and Sofia.

One of the first Bulgarian painters to exhibit internationally, he played a decisive role in dispelling the image of his country as a cultural backwater.

He was also active in the nation's political and cultural life, making contributions to many newspapers such as Balkan Dawn, Evening Post and World as well as the magazine Art (usually under pseudonyms, such as "Tonino" and "Arnold").

Among his works are the first seascapes painted in Bulgaria, although he specialized in genre art and portraits.