Hungary
Vilmos Aba-Novák was a distinguished Hungarian artist, celebrated for his unique blend of Expressionism with classical and Renaissance influences. Born in Budapest in 1894, he was deeply influenced by his experiences in the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I, which later permeated his art. Aba-Novák is best known for his vibrant frescoes and murals that decorate several public buildings in Hungary, including churches and civic buildings in Szeged and Budapest.
His works, characterized by dynamic compositions and a bold use of color, often depicted village fairs, circuses, and everyday Hungarian life, bringing an almost fantastical quality to these scenes. His remarkable ability to combine traditional subjects with modern artistic elements made his work a significant contribution to modern Hungarian art. Aba-Novák's art was not only appreciated in his homeland but also internationally, earning him major awards like the Grand Prize at the Paris World Exhibition in 1937 and at the 1940 Venice Biennale.
For art collectors and enthusiasts interested in exploring or purchasing Vilmos Aba-Novák's works, staying informed about upcoming sales and exhibitions is crucial. Signing up for updates can provide valuable insights into available pieces and auction events. To keep abreast of such opportunities, consider registering for newsletters or alerts specifically tailored to Aba-Novák's art. This will ensure you don't miss out on acquiring a piece of this unique artistic heritage.
Manó Andrássy, full name Count Manó Andrássy de Csíkszentkirály et Krasznahorka was a Hungarian self-taught artist, caricaturist, and politician.
Count Mano Andrássy was an art collector, a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and a member of the Hungarian Parliament. He was at the origin of the Hungarian iron industry, developed iron ore mining and metallurgy, for his significant role in these endeavors he is still remembered by the name Iron Count.
Mano Andrássy left behind a diverse body of work. His caricatures of the vices of political and social life were known throughout the country. And drawings made during his travels to China and India were published in an album, he was elected a full member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
He studied painting self-taught, and his most famous painting is a self-portrait. Andrássy was an avid art collector. He is also known as a philanthropist, and his collection of antiquities is part of the National Museum's collection.
Margit Balla is a Hungarian artist, graphic artist, illustrator, director, stage designer and costume designer.
She studied typography at the Academy of Applied Arts in Budapest, mainly making posters, book illustrations, later working more and more with pictorial graphics. In her posters Margit Balla combines impressions from old prints with contemporary trends such as pop art. Her figurative compositions are easily recognizable by her special surrealistic drawing style.
Since 2000, Margit Balla has been working as a production designer for the Budapest Puppet Theater.
Wohl Gyula Benczúr was a Hungarian painter, recognized as a master of scenes from the history of his native Hungary.
He studied drawing with the Austrian historical painter Franz Heiling, and from 1861 he studied painting at the Royal Bavarian Academy in Munich. Later in his homeland he took up a professorship at the School of Painting.
Benczúr painted portraits of kings, aristocrats and other contemporaries, but his specialty remained large-scale historical paintings with a play of light and shadow. He also took on ancient and biblical themes, as well as genre-based group paintings of families in nature.
Anna Beothy-Steiner was a Hungarian-French Avant-Garde painter. She studied journalism at the private art school of Álmos Jaschik in Budapest between 1922 and 1925. Her travels to Austria, Germany, and Italy exposed her to the futuristic ideas of Filippo Tommaso Marinetti and the Orphism of Robert Delaunay, both of which influenced her work. Beothy-Steiner moved to Paris in 1927 and married István Beöthy. Between 1927 and 1934, she created her major works, including gouaches, watercolors, magazine illustrations, fabric, and fashion designs. Her compositions during this period were characterized by the interpenetration and superimposition of simple, geometric color surfaces, revealing the influence of her husband's preoccupation with proportions. From 1932 onwards, her compositions contrasted simple colors, creating flat color spaces that anticipated the ideas of Op Art. Beothy-Steiner interrupted her artistic work in 1934 and did not resume until the 1960s, following her husband's death.
Jósef Borsos is a Hungarian portrait painter and photographer.
Borsos studied art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. He painted portraits of historical figures, but became best known for his genre paintings in the Biedermeier style.
Brassaï, whose real name was Gyula Halász, was a Hungarian-French artist and photographer best known for his work documenting the streets of Paris during the 1920s and 1930s. He was one of the key figures of the Surrealist movement and his work continues to influence photographers and artists to this day.
Brassaï moved to Paris in the 1920s to pursue a career in art. He initially worked as a journalist and began taking photographs to accompany his articles. However, it was his nocturnal photographs of the city that would bring him international fame.
Brassaï's photographs of the streets of Paris at night captured the city's seedier side, including its prostitutes, bars, and cabarets. His work is known for its use of dramatic lighting and strong contrast, which helped to create a moody, evocative atmosphere.
In addition to his photography, Brassaï was also a talented painter and sculptor. He was a close friend of many of the leading artists and writers of the time, including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Henry Miller.
Brassaï's work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, and his photographs have been published in numerous books and magazines. He was one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and photographers today.
Marcel Lajos Breuer was a Hungarian American modernist architect and furniture designer. He moved to the United States in 1937 and became a naturalized American citizen in 1944.
At the Bauhaus he designed the Wassily Chair and the Cesca Chair, which The New York Times have called some of the most important chairs of the 20th century. Breuer extended the sculpture vocabulary he had developed in the carpentry shop at the Bauhaus into a personal architecture that made him one of the world's most popular architects at the peak of 20th-century design. His work includes art museums, libraries, college buildings, office buildings, and residences. Many are in a Brutalist architecture style, including the former IBM Research and Development facility which was the birthplace of the first personal computer. He is regarded as one of the great innovators of modern furniture design and one of the most-influential exponents of the International Style.
Robert Capa is a Hungarian-American photographer and photojournalist. He is considered one of the greatest war photographers of all time, known for his dramatic images of combat and conflict. Cornell Capa's older brother and a classic of documentary photography.
Capa began his career as a photographer in the early 1930s and soon became known for his coverage of the Spanish Civil War. He went on to cover many major conflicts, including World War II, the First Indochinese War and the Arab-Israeli War.
One of Robert Capa's most famous photographs is Falling Soldier, taken during the Spanish Civil War. The photo depicts a Republican soldier as he is shot and falls to his death. The authenticity of the photograph has been the subject of controversy for many years, but it remains an iconic image of war photography.
Capa also co-founded Magnum Photos, which was established in 1947 as a cooperative for independent photographers. Since then Magnum Photos has become one of the most prestigious and influential photo agencies in the world.
Capa died in 1954 while covering the First Indochina War, stepping on a mine. His legacy as a war photographer and photojournalist continues to inspire generations of photographers and his work remains an important part of photographic history.
Cornell Capa is an American photographer, photojournalist and founder of the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York, the younger brother of the famous war correspondent Robert Capa.
Cornell Capa was known for his humanistic approach to photography, often capturing the lives and struggles of ordinary people. Throughout his career, he covered many important events, including the Spanish Civil War, World War II and the Vietnam War. Capa also photographed many famous people including John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and Pablo Picasso.
In 1974, Cornell Capa founded ICP, which has since become one of the world's leading photography education and exhibition institutions. The ICP's mission is to promote the understanding and appreciation of photography as an art form as well as a means of communication and social change.
Throughout his career Capa has received numerous awards and honours, including the National Medal of Arts in 1988. His photographs continue to be exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and his legacy lives on through ICP.
Ghitta Carell was the professional name of Ghitta Klein, a naturalized Italian photographer, born in Hungary, who came to prominence between 1930 and 1950. Noted for her portraiture, she was a favored photographer among the aristocracy and despite her Jewish heritage she helped build the imagery used in Fascist propaganda. After the fall of Mussolini, she remained in Italy, though her field of influence was greatly diminished. At the end of the 1960s, she immigrated to Israel, where she died in obscurity. Her archives, preserved by the 3M Foundation, have widely toured throughout Europe and a revival of interest in evaluating her skill as a technician has developed in the 21st century.
Joseph Csaky, a Hungarian avant-garde artist, sculptor, and graphic artist, is renowned for his pioneering contributions to the Cubist movement. Born in 1888, Csaky's journey into the art world was profoundly influenced by his discovery of Auguste Rodin's work, which paved the way for his mastery in sculptural techniques. His innovative approach is highlighted in his Cubist sculptures, where he skillfully integrated volumetric and spatial relationships, utilizing abstract architectonic forms and drawing inspiration from non-Western art such as Cycladic, Oceanic, and ancient Egyptian art.
Joseph Csaky's commitment to originality is evident in his personal artistic language, which he developed while being part of the vibrant Parisian art scene. His works, such as "Euterpe – Muse of Lyric Poetry" and "Imbrication de cônes," showcase his ability to translate Cubist principles into three-dimensional forms.
Art collectors and experts appreciate Joseph Csaky's contributions to modern sculpture, with his works being sought after in art galleries and auctions. His pieces like "Woman Raising her Hand" and "Figure, dite aussi Femme" not only reflect his artistic prowess but also his influence on subsequent art movements.
For those interested in the fusion of Cubism and sculpture, Joseph Csaky's oeuvre offers a profound insight into the evolution of modern art. To stay updated on new product sales and auction events related to Joseph Csaky, consider signing up for updates. This subscription will keep you informed about the latest developments and opportunities to engage with Csaky's enduring legacy.
Philip Alexius de László, an Anglo-Hungarian artist renowned for his portraiture, captured the likenesses of many notable figures from European royalty to prominent societal personalities. Born in 1869 in Hungary and later becoming a British citizen in 1914, de Philip László's work is celebrated for its vibrant realism and intimate depiction of character, making him a favorite among high society across Europe and beyond.
Philip De László's artistry earned him numerous honors, including being ennobled in Hungary and receiving medals from British royalty. Despite his accolades and successful integration into British society, he faced internment during World War I, which was a significant period of adversity in his otherwise illustrious career. His legacy includes over 4,000 works, with portraits housed in prestigious institutions like the National Portrait Gallery in London.
His subjects spanned a wide array of influential figures including Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, and Queen Marie of Romania. These portraits are not merely artistic renditions but historical documents that offer a glimpse into an era defined by its cultural and political complexities. His works continue to be studied and admired for their technical excellence and historical significance, making them highly valuable to collectors and experts in art and antiques.
For those interested in staying updated on exhibitions, sales, or auctions related to Philip Alexius de László's works, subscribing for notifications can provide timely information and opportunities to acquire pieces by this distinguished artist. This ensures that enthusiasts and collectors don't miss out on important events tied to his enduring artistic legacy.
Esteban Fekete was a Hungarian, German, and Argentine painter. He worked and experimented in different techniques - color woodcuts, oil paintings on canvas, wood or organelite. In his paintings we see the world of people, animals and their environment.
Igor Emmanuilovich Grabar (Russian: И́горь Эммануи́лович Граба́рь) was a distinguished Russian painter, art historian, and museum administrator, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of art. Renowned for his versatility, Grabar was not only a masterful artist but also a visionary in art preservation and education. His work reflects a deep appreciation for Russia's cultural heritage, capturing the essence of its landscapes, historical moments, and architectural beauty with a unique blend of realism and impressionism.
Grabar's significance extends beyond his paintings; he played a pivotal role in the preservation of Russian art, overseeing restoration projects and establishing guidelines that are still in use today. His efforts in cataloging and promoting Russian art helped to elevate the profile of Russian culture on the global stage. Among his well-known works, "February Azure" stands out for its captivating use of color and light, showcasing Grabar's skill in conveying the beauty of Russian winters.
As an educator and museum director, Grabar influenced generations of artists and art historians, embedding a deep respect for artistic heritage and innovation. His leadership at the Tretyakov Gallery and involvement in various art schools helped to shape the direction of Russian art in the 20th century. Grabar's legacy is not just in his artworks but also in his contributions to art education and museum practices, making him a revered figure among collectors, experts, and enthusiasts of art and antiques.
For those passionate about the rich tapestry of Russian art and culture, Igor Emmanuilovich Grabar's work remains a source of inspiration and admiration. We invite collectors and art experts to sign up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to Grabar's work. This subscription is your gateway to the world of a visionary artist whose influence continues to resonate in the art world.
Klára Herczeg, also known as Claire Weiss, was a Hungarian sculptor. She established the Klára Herczeg Prize, awarded annually by the Young Artists Foundation. Her works have been exhibited since 1925, including at the 1937 Paris World Exhibition and the 1939 New York World's Fair. Approximately 30 of her sculptures are housed in Budapest and other Hungarian museums, while her works are also displayed internationally, such as at the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus in Nuremberg.
Interestingly, Herczeg´s porcelain and ceramic figures created between 1930 and 1940 were never showcased or acknowledged in exhibitions, but they periodically appear in art auctions and antique markets. It is documented that she designed over 200 figures.
János Mihály Hesz was a Hungarian painter, etching artist and university lecturer.
Between 1791 and 1794, János Mihály Hesz studied at the art academy in Vienna. After his studies, he taught painting and drawing at the academy.
Art historians emphasise the "academic classicism" of Hes's paintings. The influence of Italian Mannerism can be felt in his later religious paintings and altarpieces.
André Kertész, born Andor Kertész, was a Hungarian-born photographer known for his groundbreaking contributions to photographic composition and the photo essay. In the early years of his career, his then-unorthodox camera angles and style prevented his work from gaining wider recognition. Kertész never felt that he had gained the worldwide recognition he deserved. Today he is considered one of the seminal figures of photojournalism.
Ferenc Kóka is a Hungarian painter.
Kóka graduated from the Budapest Academy of Fine Arts. From 1969 he was one of the first residents of the new artist colony of Szentendre and lived there with his wife until his death in 1997. In 1992, together with Attila Czai, he reorganized the Szentendre Fine Arts Association with the aim of protecting the values of the Hungarian artistic past, preserving an important heritage and supporting original creative and theoretical-artistic endeavors.
Ferenc Koka was the recipient of the highest Hungarian state award, the Mihály Munkácsi Prize.
Attila Kovács is a Hungarian-German graphic artist.
He studied at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts, emigrated to West Germany and graduated from the State Academy of Fine Arts in Stuttgart.
Kovacs created a unique artistic language he called "Frame of Reference" or "Transmuting Plasticity," in which he constructed his own system of non-Euclidean sequential geometric abstraction. Kovacs has had many international solo and group exhibitions.
Jan Kupecký was a Slovak painter of the late seventeenth and the first half of the eighteenth century. He is considered one of the greatest portrait painters in Europe of his era. Kupecky also wrote works of historical genre and paintings-allegories.
During his career Jan Kupecky painted more than 10,000 pictures. He left behind a large number of portraits of ordinary people, his colleagues and friends, as well as influential dignitaries and European rulers, as well as dozens of self-portraits.
Numerous works by the artist are now preserved in museums throughout Europe, and the largest collection of his works is in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
František Kupka was a Czech painter and graphic artist. He was a pioneer and co-founder of the early phases of the abstract art movement and Orphic Cubism (Orphism). Kupka's abstract works arose from a base of realism, but later evolved into pure abstract art.
Karoly Lengyel is a Hungarian artist who worked in Düsseldorf, Germany.
He graduated from the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts, then studied postgraduate studies at the Düsseldorf Academy of Fine Arts. Lengyel painted semi-abstract paintings filled with understatement and otherworldliness.
Friedrich Lieder, full name Friedrich Johann Gottlieb Lieder, was a German portrait painter and lithographer.
Lieder studied painting at the Berlin Academy and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and achieved success as a portrait painter in Vienna and Budapest. He painted portraits of the high nobility with academic precision and also painted miniatures, including a selection of military uniforms, for which he was appointed court painter by Frederick William III.
György Ligeti, full name György Sándor Ligeti, was a Hungarian and Austrian composer and musicologist.
Ligeti was born into a Jewish family, but his mother tongue was Hungarian and from an early age he was exposed to Romanian and Hungarian folk music. His first significant work was the Romanian Concerto, which he wrote in 1951. In 1956 Ligeti emigrated from Hungary to Austria, receiving Austrian citizenship in 1968.
In 1957 in Cologne, Ligeti met the experimental composers Karlheinz Stockhausen and Gottfried König and worked with them in the field of academic electronic music, but soon switched to instrumental music. He gained recognition from the Western avant-garde in 1961 with his work Visions and others, in which he used sonorics and the micropolyphony technique he had invented. In 1965 Ligeti completed one of his major works, Requiem.
During his life, Ligeti changed his compositional style and technique several times, ranging from electronic music and sonoricism (1950s and 1960s) to neoromanticism (1980s and 1990s). He has also written many theoretical articles on new currents in music.
Lajos Markos was a Hungarian-American artist, trained at the Royal Academy of Budapest. He gained recognition as a portrait painter in New York City, depicting notable figures like John Wayne, Robert F. Kennedy, and President Ronald Reagan. Markos later moved to Houston, where he developed an interest in Western American art. His works can be found in various museums and private collections, including the Cowboy Hall of Fame and JP Morgan's headquarters. He also painted significant historical and cowboy-themed pieces.
Andras Markos is a Romanian, Hungarian and German abstractionist, graphic designer and performance artist.
Andras studied fine arts at the Romanian Academy of Fine Arts, then worked for many years as a graphic designer, became a curator of medieval church art and a production designer for the Hungarian State Theater.
In 1980, Markos emigrated to Germany, also working in Vienna. By 1981, Andras' exhibitions had traveled throughout Europe and America, and he had established himself as an internationally renowned artist. He also founded several art galleries.
Markos' work is based on abstract expressionism and conceptual art. He often worked on thematic series and incorporated words and calligraphic ideas as well as collages into his images. Marcos worked in many techniques including painting on canvas and paper, lithography, silkscreen, etching and ceramics.
Mathieu Matégot was a Hungarian / French designer and material artist. He was one of the most renowned French designers of the 1950s.
Following the war, Matégot established a workshop for making handcrafted furniture using a variety of materials such as metal, rattan, glass, formica, and perforated sheet metal. The workshop made chairs, tables, sideboards, desks and other objects that he had designed. At first based in Paris, the workshop later moved to Casablanca. All the furniture and other objects had clever, practical and amusing designs. Distributed to decoration shops in editions of 200, his work was extremely successful.