Bertalan Szekely

He originally trained as an engineer, studying at the Technical University of Vienna, but at the same time he was already starting his art studies. After returning home in 1855, for a long time he made his living painting trade signs, and teaching drawing. He worked in the Czech lands for a while and then moved to Munich in 1859 to study with Karl von Piloty at the world famous Akademie. It was here that he painted his self-portrait as a young man.

He depicted numerous great moments of Hungary's history in his works and on these canvases the influences of romanticism and academism are obvious. The academic style of composition, the accuracy with which he portrayed the inner feelings of his subjects, and the naturalistic way of painting materials were typical of his unique style. As a teacher, he did much for young artists. His house in Szada became a museum.

Some of his principal works are displayed in the Hungarian National Gallery: Finding the body of King Louis II (II. Lajos király holttestének megtalálása, 1860), and Women of Eger (Egri nők, 1867). Other important works include two frescos in the cathedral of Pécs, the wall paintings in Saint Mór Chapel (1887-89), the frescos done with Károly Lotz and Ébner Deák for the Abbey of Tihany (Tihanyi Apátság) (1889-90), several frescos in the Matthias Church (1890-96), and the frescos of the meeting hall in town hall of Kecskemét (1896-97).