Famous Hungarian Artists

Brassaï was a versatile Hungarian-French artist known for his work as a photographer, sculptor, medalist, writer, and filmmaker. Rising to international fame in France during the 20th century, he was part of a wave of Hungarian artists who found success in Paris between the world wars. Scholars gained valuable insights into his later life and career from the discovery of over 200 letters and numerous drawings dating from 1940 to 1984, shedding light on his artistic development and experiences during that period.

Philip de László was an accomplished Anglo-Hungarian painter renowned for his exquisite portraits of royalty and aristocracy. His talent was widely recognized, earning him numerous honors and medals from patrons. Notable achievements include being invested with the Royal Victorian Order by Edward VII in 1909 and ennobled by Franz Joseph I of Austria in 1912, elevating him to the Hungarian nobility. His professional career was marked by a prolific body of work capturing the essence and elegance of his distinguished subjects.

Elmyr de Hory was a Hungarian-born painter and infamous art forger known for creating over a thousand forgeries sold to prestigious art galleries worldwide. His notoriety grew after being featured in Clifford Irving's book, "Fake" (1969), and Orson Welles' documentary film, "F for Fake" (1974). De Hory's professional life was defined by his skill in replicating the works of famous artists and deceiving the art world, cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific forgers in history.

György Kepes was a versatile Hungarian artist, educator, and theorist known for his contributions to design and visual arts. After moving to the U.S. in 1937, he became a prominent figure in the field of design education, teaching at institutions such as the New Bauhaus in Chicago and founding the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at MIT. Throughout his career, Kepes played a significant role in shaping the intersection of art, technology, and education, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Mihály Munkácsy was a renowned Hungarian painter known for his genre pictures and large-scale biblical paintings. Throughout his professional life, he gained international recognition for his exceptional talent and artistic skill. Munkácsy's works were characterized by their intricate detail, emotional depth, and masterful use of light and shadow. He was celebrated for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects and bring them to life on canvas, solidifying his place as one of the most influential painters of his time.

Giulio Clovio was an illuminator, miniaturist, and painter known for his work in Renaissance Italy. He is regarded as the greatest illuminator of the Italian High Renaissance, representing the culmination of the illuminated manuscript tradition. Clovio's professional life was marked by exceptional skill and creativity, making him a highly sought-after artist during his time. His contributions to the art world have left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as one of the most notable figures in the history of illuminated manuscripts.

Friedrich von Amerling was an Austro-Hungarian portrait painter known for his work in the court of Franz Josef. He served as a court painter from 1835 to 1880, establishing himself as one of the prominent Austrian portrait painters of the 19th century alongside Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller. Amerling's professional life was marked by his skillful portrayal of his subjects, capturing their likeness and personality with great detail and artistry. His works are highly regarded for their technical excellence and sensitivity, solidifying his reputation as a master portraitist.

Károly Kisfaludy was a prominent Hungarian dramatist and artist known for his significant contributions to the national drama. He played a crucial role in shaping the theatrical landscape of Hungary and is regarded as the founder of the national drama movement. Kisfaludy's works were characterized by their artistic depth and cultural significance, earning him a lasting legacy in Hungarian literature. Through his creative endeavors, he left a profound impact on the development of Hungarian theater and inspired future generations of dramatists.

Nicolas Schöffer was a Hungarian-born French cybernetic artist known for his interdisciplinary approach to art, spanning painting, sculpture, architecture, urbanism, film, theatre, television, and music. He built his artworks on cybernetic theories of control and feedback, inspired by Norbert Wiener's ideas, focusing on dematerialization, movement, and dynamics. Schöffer's work aimed to socialize art by making it universally accessible and engaging viewers through participation. He explored innovative mediums such as sound, light, and climate, and designed unique art installations like the SCAM1 automobile sculpture.

István Sándorfi was a Hungarian hyperrealist painter based in France. He began his career with individual exhibitions in Paris, eventually focusing exclusively on painting. Despite initial challenges, he gained financial independence through portrait commissions and exhibitions in various countries. Known for his large-scale self-portraits characterized as aggressive, he later shifted his focus to technique. Sándorfi preferred exclusive contracts with galleries and maintained a reclusive lifestyle, emphasizing his personal convictions and dedication to his art.

Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka was a Hungarian painter known for his avant-garde works in the early twentieth century. He gained recognition in Europe and was one of the first Hungarian painters to achieve this. Csontváry's style did not adhere to any specific art school, but displayed Post-impressionist elements. He is widely regarded as Hungary's greatest painter by many critics. His paintings, including "The Rendezvous," have fetched high prices at auctions, and his works are housed in prestigious institutions and private collections worldwide.

Vilmos Aba-Novák was a renowned Hungarian painter and graphic artist who played a significant role in the development of modern art in Hungary. He was known for his monumental painting, frescoes, and church murals, with notable works in Szeged and Budapest. Aba-Novák studied under influential artists like Adolf Fényes and Viktor Olgyai, and received recognition for his artworks both nationally and internationally, winning prestigious awards at exhibitions in Paris and Venice. He also served as a teacher at the College of Fine Arts until his passing.

Béla Czóbel was a prominent Hungarian painter known for his pivotal role in The Eight, a group that introduced Post-Impressionist styles, Fauvism, Cubism, and Expressionism to Hungary. His professional life was characterized by innovative artistic exploration and a commitment to pushing boundaries in the early 20th century Budapest art scene. Czóbel's work reflected a unique blend of influences, showcasing his versatility and skill across various artistic movements. His contributions to the Hungarian art world left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazing artist.

János Fadrusz was a prominent Hungarian sculptor known for his works in the Neoclassical style, with a focus on historical subjects. Throughout his professional life, he gained recognition for his skillful craftsmanship and attention to detail in creating sculptures that depicted important moments in history. Fadrusz's dedication to his artistry led to numerous notable works that captivated audiences and solidified his reputation as a talented sculptor. His contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated for their artistic merit and historical significance.

Lajos Gulácsy was a Hungarian painter known for his dreamlike and symbolic works, heavily influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites. His art is associated with Art Nouveau and Symbolism, displaying a unique blend of these styles. His works are highly regarded, with some pieces being collected by the Hungarian National Gallery. Gulácsy's artistic style can also be seen as a precursor to Surrealism, showcasing his innovative and visionary approach to painting that continues to captivate audiences even today.

Endre Bálint was a highly regarded Hungarian painter and graphic artist known for his distinctive style and innovative techniques. Throughout his career, he created a diverse body of work that showcased his talent and creativity. Bálint's art was characterized by a unique blend of traditional Hungarian elements with modern influences, earning him recognition both locally and internationally. His contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated for their depth, originality, and lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Gitta Mallasz was a Hungarian graphic designer and artist known for her profound spiritual work during World War II. She gained recognition for transcribing a series of spiritual instructions, known as Talking with Angels. This work showcased her ability to receive and document messages from a higher realm, highlighting her spiritual sensitivity and artistic talents. Through her dedication to sharing these teachings, Mallasz left a lasting impact on those seeking spiritual guidance and enlightenment, solidifying her legacy as a conduit for divine wisdom.

Simon Hollósy was a prominent Hungarian painter known for his contributions to 19th-century Naturalism and Realism. Although not highly prolific in his own artistic output, he gained recognition as a highly influential teacher. His impact was particularly significant within the Nagybánya artists' colony, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic styles and techniques of emerging painters. The colony's work was later celebrated in a major exhibition at the Hungarian National Gallery, highlighting their collective contribution to Hungarian art during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

József Egry was a Hungarian painter known for his contributions to Hungarian modernism. He studied under prominent artists in Hungary and furthered his education in Munich, Vienna, Paris, and Brussels. His works were characterized by Expressionist and Constructivist styles, earning him the title of "painter of Lake Balaton." Egry's professional life was dedicated to creating innovative and influential pieces that showcased his unique artistic vision and solidified his reputation as a significant figure in Hungarian art history.