Dr. Wilbrandus Joannes Koppius (13 August 1859 – 18 October 1945) was a versatile Dutch painter and physician, whose life reflected a unique combination of science and art. Born in the village of Blijham in Groningen, he developed into a gifted artist, despite initially pursuing a career as a physician.

Koppius studied at the Minerva Academy in Groningen and the Rijksacademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam, where he gained a solid foundation in the visual arts. He also received private lessons from renowned artists such as Johannes Hinderikus Egenberger, Johan Meijer and Johs. Meyer Jr., who played an important role in his artistic development.

Although his love for painting was evident early on, Koppius initially opted for a career in medicine. He obtained his doctorate in medicine in 1893. Only then did he decide to focus entirely on painting, which allowed him to combine his scientific precision with his artistic talent.

Koppius was quite a homebody and worked mainly in Amsterdam, Roden and Groningen, where he focused on painting landscapes and animals. His paintings show a deep connection with nature and a great sense of detail. He often worked in a subdued but expressive style that testifies to both technical mastery and emotional depth.

He became a member of the prestigious artists' association Arti et Amicitiae in Amsterdam, which gave him access to a broad network of fellow artists and exhibition opportunities. Despite this, he remained a modest and not very public figure.

Koppius' work is included in the reference works of P.A. Scheen, an important source for Dutch art from the 19th and 20th centuries. This underlines his value as an artist, although his fame among the general public has remained limited.

Koppius' paintings are characterised by their atmosphere of peace and harmony, often with subdued colours and attention to light. He is particularly appreciated for his landscapes and animal portraits, which capture the simplicity and beauty of everyday life.

After his death in 1945, Koppius' work fell into oblivion, but art historians and collectors have recently shown renewed interest. His works are mainly in private collections and offer a fascinating insight into the Dutch art of his time.

Wilbrandus Joannes Koppius is remembered as an artist who managed to combine science and art in a unique way and made a valuable, if modest, contribution to Dutch art history.