Experience the Biedermeier Era at National Museum
The Hungarian National Gallery is currently hosting an exhibition that showcases over 300 works of art from the first decades of the 19th century. The exhibition, titled “Biedermeier Lifestyles: Art and the Rise of the Middle Classes in 19th-Century Hungary (1815-1867),” includes Hungarian and Austrian paintings, prints, furniture, costumes, and everyday objects.
The exhibition, which opened on Tuesday, will be on display until February 9, 2025. According to Zsófia Koncz, State Secretary for Families of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the 19th century marked a period of significant societal, economic, scientific, cultural, and political changes. The role of family members and the importance of family values were central during this time.
Annamária Vigh, Deputy Director of the Museum of Fine Arts – Hungarian National Gallery, highlighted the unique presentation of the Biedermeier style and the culture of the period in this exhibition. The curator, Adrienn Prágai, emphasized the intention to create a collection that resonates with visitors’ own life experiences, representing the Biedermeier spirit in all aspects of life.
In addition to Hungarian Biedermeier art, the exhibition also features works by renowned Austrian painters of the time, such as Friedrich von Amerling and Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller. Through an extensive restoration program, visitors will have the opportunity to view both well-known and previously unseen paintings.
The exhibition is organized into eleven sections that explore different stages of human life, from birth to death, as well as social relationships, artistic vocations, entertainment, and connections with nature. The theme of death is also addressed, reflecting personal grief and national mourning during the turbulent period of the 19th century.
This exhibition provides a comprehensive look into the everyday life and cultural developments of the 19th century, offering visitors a glimpse into the complexities of the Biedermeier era.
