14/02/2025
The museum of fine arts in Budapest had many interesting permanent exhibits. The first and second floor were all European paintings and art from 1300-1800s. A lot of Italian renaissance and religious paints. Most of these were well known artists you’d learn about in Art Class. They were mixed in with a few sculptors and carvers who made artifacts for their daily religious life. But on the third floor it was all Hungarian painters. Most of the Basque period. It was fascinating to see the differences especially when they depicted the crucifixion. Their depiction of Christ ( the last three pictures illustrate this point better ) looked slightly different, more reflective of the common look of a Slavic person rather than a Mediterranean phenotype. Lighter skin, rounder face, more prominent nose. As an American only ever seeing the Italian painters it was very interesting to see this perspective.
The temporary exhibit was about Agnes Denes. Wheatfield — A Confrontation, is one of her most famous works. Grew two acres of wheat in manhattan in 1982. She is quoted as saying “My decision to plant a wheatfield in Manhattan, instead of designing just another public sculpture, grew out of the longstanding concern and need to call attention to our misplaced priorities and deteriorating human values. Manhattan is the richest, most professional, most congested and, without a doubt, most fascinating island in the world. To attempt to plant, sustain and harvest two acres of wheat here, wasting valuable real estate and obstructing the ‘machinery’ by going against the system, was an effrontery that made it the powerful paradox I had sought for the calling to account.”
So, if you find yourself in Budapest, check out their art museum. Well worth the money