Famous Hungarian Artists & Painters

Amrita Sher-Gil was a Hungarian-Indian painter known for her avant-garde style and pioneering role in modern Indian art. Starting formal lessons at a young age, she gained recognition for her oil painting "Young Girls" at 19. Sher-Gil's travels to countries like Turkey, France, and India influenced her work, blending precolonial Indian art styles with contemporary culture. She is considered a significant painter in 20th-century India, comparable to pioneers from the Bengal Renaissance. Despite her current high value in the art world, Sher-Gil's work was underappreciated during her lifetime.

Brassaï was a prolific Hungarian-French photographer, sculptor, medalist, writer, and filmmaker known for his international fame in 20th-century France. He was part of the vibrant Hungarian artistic community in Paris between the world wars. In the early 21st century, the discovery of over 200 letters, along with numerous drawings and other items, shed light on Brassaï's later life and career from 1940 to 1984. This newfound material has provided scholars with valuable insights into his professional journey and artistic development.

Philip de László was an accomplished Anglo-Hungarian painter renowned for his exquisite portraits of royal and aristocratic figures. Throughout his career, he garnered recognition and accolades from his patrons, including being invested with the Royal Victorian Order by Edward VII in 1909 and ennobled by Franz Joseph I of Austria in 1912. His artistic prowess and attention to detail in capturing the likeness and essence of his subjects solidified his reputation as a distinguished portrait artist in the early 20th century art world.

Elmyr de Hory was a renowned Hungarian-born painter and infamous art forger, known for creating over a thousand forgeries that were successfully sold to prestigious art galleries globally. His notoriety grew with the publication of Clifford Irving's book "Fake" in 1969 and Orson Welles' documentary "F for Fake" in 1974. De Hory's professional life was marked by his skillful production of counterfeit artworks that deceived art experts and collectors alike, solidifying his place in history as one of the most prolific forgers of the 20th century.

György Kepes was a prominent Hungarian painter, photographer, designer, educator, and art theorist. Upon immigrating to the U.S. in 1937, he contributed significantly to the field of design by teaching at various institutions, including the New Bauhaus in Chicago. His career reached new heights when he established the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at MIT in 1967, where he continued to impart his knowledge and expertise until his retirement in 1974. Kepes' legacy is marked by his profound impact on the intersection of art, technology, and education.

Mihály Munkácsy was a renowned Hungarian painter known for his genre pictures and large-scale biblical paintings. Throughout his professional life, he gained international acclaim for his exceptional talent and artistic skill. His works were highly regarded for their detailed compositions, emotional depth, and masterful use of light and shadow. Munkácsy's paintings often depicted scenes with a strong narrative quality, capturing the essence of the human experience with a unique and compelling vision that continues to inspire and influence artists to this day.

Giorgio Giulio Clovio, also known as Juraj Julije Klović, was a renowned illuminator, miniaturist, and painter from the Kingdom of Croatia. He achieved great recognition during the Italian High Renaissance for his exceptional artistic skills and contributions to illuminated manuscripts. Clovio's professional life was predominantly based in Renaissance Italy, where he became known as the greatest illuminator of his time. His work marked a significant influence on the tradition of illuminated manuscripts, with some modern revivals inspired by his artistic style and techniques.

Friedrich von Amerling, an Austro-Hungarian portrait painter, served as a court painter for Franz Josef from 1835 to 1880. Born in Vienna, he achieved renown as one of the leading Austrian portrait painters of the 19th century alongside Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller. His professional life was marked by a prolific output of portraits, capturing the essence and character of his subjects with skill and precision. Amerling's work was highly regarded, solidifying his reputation as an artist of exceptional talent and capturing the attention of the imperial court.

Nicolas Schöffer was a Hungarian-born French cybernetic artist renowned for his innovative and multidisciplinary approach to art. He explored the intersection of art and technology, drawing inspiration from Norbert Wiener's cybernetic theories. Schöffer's career spanned various art genres, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and film. He focused on dematerializing artwork and incorporating movement and dynamics into his creations. Schöffer aimed to socialize art by making it universally accessible and engaging audiences through interactive and participatory experiences, showcasing his works in various mediums such as sound structures and automobile sculptures.

Amerigo Tot was a Hungarian sculptor and occasional actor known for his abstract works and public monuments. He received international recognition for his work on the frieze in Roma Termini station in 1950. Throughout his career, he created traditional sculptures, abstract pieces, and public memorials, including notable works such as Microcosm in Macrocosm and His Majesty. Tot also made appearances in films during the 1960s and 1970s, with a memorable role as Bussetta in The Godfather Part II. He passed away in Rome in 1984 and is buried in Budapest.

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, particularly through his works that resonated with audiences. Kisfaludy's creative vision and talent helped establish him as a key figure in the cultural scene of his time. His dedication to the arts and his commitment to producing meaningful and impactful works solidified his legacy as a pioneer in Hungarian drama.

István Sándorfi, a Hungarian hyperrealist painter, began his artistic career at a young age and quickly gained recognition with his exhibitions in Paris. Despite facing initial challenges with the commercial success of his paintings, Sándorfi persisted and gradually established himself in the art world. He focused on large-scale self-portraits before transitioning to a more refined technique. Throughout his career, he preferred working with specific galleries, reflecting his desire to maintain artistic integrity and avoid administrative burdens. Sándorfi's dedication to his craft and unique style culminated in a retrospective exhibition in 2007.

Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka was a Hungarian painter known for his avant-garde works in the early twentieth century. He gained recognition in Europe for his unique artistic style that blended elements of Post-impressionism. Csontváry did not adhere to any specific art school but stood out for his innovative approach. Regarded by many critics as Hungary's greatest painter, his works are housed in prestigious institutions such as the Hungarian National Gallery and the Csontváry Museum. In 2006, one of his paintings, "The Rendezvous," fetched over one million EUR at auction.

Vilmos Aba-Novák was a prominent Hungarian painter and graphic artist known for his modern monumental painting style. He studied at the Art School and the College of Fine Arts in Budapest before serving in the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I. He painted frescoes for various churches and government commissions, gaining recognition with awards such as the Grand Prize at the Paris World Exhibition in 1937 and the 1940 Venice Biennale. Aba-Novák also taught at the College of Fine Arts until his death.

István Csók was a Hungarian Impressionist painter known for his nudes, portraits, and landscapes, particularly those depicting Lake Balaton. He gained recognition for his work both in Hungary and internationally, with exhibitions in cities such as Paris, Rome, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and London. Csók was awarded the prestigious Kossuth Prize twice for his artistic achievements. While his work is less visible in the West today, an example of his painting was featured in the opening credits of the 1971 film Countess Dracula before the original was destroyed during World War II.

Béla Czóbel was a prominent Hungarian painter active in the early 20th century. He was known for his involvement with The Eight, a group of artists in Budapest credited with introducing Post-Impressionist styles to Hungary. Czóbel's work also reflected influences of Fauvism, Cubism, and Expressionism. He played a significant role in shaping the artistic landscape of Hungary during this period, contributing innovative ideas and techniques to the local art scene. His legacy as a painter continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of styles and influences.

Lajos Gulácsy was a Hungarian painter known for his dreamlike works influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites. His art is associated with Art Nouveau, Symbolism, and considered a precursor to Surrealism. His works are highly regarded and collected by the Hungarian National Gallery. Gulácsy's professional life was marked by a unique artistic style that blended various influences to create captivating and imaginative pieces. His contributions to the art world have solidified his place as a notable figure in the realms of Symbolism and Surrealism.

Béla Iványi-Grünwald was a prominent Hungarian painter known for his contributions to the Nagybánya artists' colony and his role in founding the Kecskemét artists' colony. He was a leading figure in the Hungarian art scene, known for his innovative techniques and unique style. Iványi-Grünwald's work often focused on capturing the beauty of Hungarian landscapes and everyday life, earning him recognition both domestically and internationally. His legacy as a painter continues to inspire and influence artists to this day.

János Fadrusz was a Hungarian sculptor known for his Neoclassical style and works on historical subjects. Throughout his professional life, he gained recognition for his skillful craftsmanship and artistic vision. Fadrusz's sculptures were highly esteemed for their attention to detail and emotional depth, capturing the essence of the historical events and figures he depicted. His contributions to the art world solidified his reputation as a talented sculptor, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be appreciated and admired by art enthusiasts worldwide.

Endre Bálint was a prominent Hungarian painter and graphic artist known for his significant contributions to the art world. Throughout his professional life, he created a diverse body of work that showcased his talent and creativity. Bálint's artworks often reflected a unique blend of traditional techniques and modern influences, earning him recognition and admiration in the artistic community. His paintings and graphic designs continue to be celebrated for their innovative style, attention to detail, and profound artistic expression.

Gitta Mallasz was a Hungarian graphic designer and artist recognized for her work during World War II. Her professional life took a significant turn when she became one of the recipients of a series of profound spiritual instructions in Hungary. These teachings formed the basis of her renowned book, Talking with Angels, which she transcribed. Through her artistic talents and dedication to capturing these extraordinary messages, Gitta Mallasz made a lasting impact on spiritual seekers and readers worldwide.

Simon Hollósy was a Hungarian painter known for his contributions to 19th-century Naturalism and Realism. Although not highly prolific as an artist, he played a significant role as a teacher, influencing the painters of the Nagybánya artists' colony. Together with his students, they had a lasting impact on Hungarian art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Hungarian National Gallery recognized their importance with a major exhibition in 1966, showcasing the work of the Nagybánya artists' colony.

Gheza Vida, a Romanian-Hungarian artist, was a sculptor, engraver, industrial worker, and communist militant. He gained recognition as one of the most renowned artists in the Maramureș region. Vida's professional journey involved financial support from local benefactors, industrial work, and involvement in far-left politics. He produced propaganda art for the Communist Party, was a labor organizer, and a member of the Artists' Trade Union. Vida's artistic style evolved from Expressionism to a synthesis of folk art, earning him praise and awards from the communist establishment.

József Egry was a Hungarian painter known for his significant contributions to Hungarian modernism. He studied under renowned artists such as Janos Korcsek, Károly Ferenczy, and Pál Szinyei Merse, as well as in Munich, Vienna, Paris, and Brussels. His works were characterized by Expressionist and Constructivist styles. Egry gained recognition as the "painter of Lake Balaton," showcasing his artistic talent and unique perspective through his paintings. His professional life was marked by a dedication to modernism and a commitment to artistic innovation.