Anton Janša

Anton Janša (c. 20 May 1734 – 13 September 1773) was a Carniolan apiarist and painter. Janša is known as a pioneer of modern apiculture and a great expert in the field. He was educated as a painter, but was employed as a teacher of apiculture at the Habsburg court in Vienna.

Anton Janša was born in a family of nine children from Slovene parents in Breznica, Carniola (now in Slovenia). His exact birth date is not known, however, he was baptised on 20 May 1734. At a young age Janša, together with his brothers Tine and Lovro, showed a great interest in painting (they had a studio in their barn). All three brothers, despite being illiterate, went to Vienna and entered the painters' academy there. Ceferin wrote "Anton rose to the challenge, and even distinguished himself, winning the prestigious state scholarship for a study tour of Italy, awarded only to exceptional students." His two brothers actually finished their studies at the academy and became professors there.

Anton, despite a talent for painting, soon discovered that his true interests were in bee-keeping.