Treasures of Hungarian Baroque Art: A New Permanent Exhibition
The Museum of Fine Arts in Hungary is currently hosting a new permanent exhibition that provides a comprehensive view of Baroque art in the country. Titled “Variations on the Baroque,” this exhibition includes a recent acquisition of a Polish noblewoman’s portrait. According to the Hungarian Nation, the exhibition, which opened on April 3 in a new hall, spans 200 square meters and showcases paintings, sculptures, and decorative artifacts from the 18th century in four thematic sections.
The first section highlights Hungarian artists who achieved international recognition, such as portrait painter Ádám Mányoki, known for his court portraits, and still-life painters Jakab Bogdány and Tobias Stranover. The second section features domestic portraits spanning nearly two centuries, showcasing the evolution of Baroque portrait genres. A highlight in early paintings is Justus Sustermans’ monarch portrait from 1626, notable for its accurate depiction of the Holy Crown.
The third section presents small oil sketches to offer insights into painters’ preliminary thoughts for larger works, while the fourth section explores late Baroque Hungarian themes. The exhibition concludes with a selection of late Baroque genres like landscapes and mythological and biblical paintings.
An interesting addition to the exhibition is Mányoki’s painting of Agneszka Emercjanna Pociejowa, a Polish noblewoman associated with Augustus II the Strong. This portrait depicts her in riding attire, reflecting her role in the royal court.
Adam Mányoki, active in Warsaw and Dresden in the early 18th century, painted portraits for Augustus II’s court, producing duplicates for royal palaces. This exhibition not only showcases the richness of Baroque art but also highlights the interconnectedness of European courts and the diverse influences that shaped Hungarian art during that period.
Overall, the exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts provides a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty and complexity of Baroque art in Hungary.
