Karoly Ferenczy – The Father of Hungarian Impressionism

Karoly Ferenczy – The Father of Hungarian Impressionism

On February 8, 2012 Magyar Posta (Hungary Post) issued a stamp in honor of artist Karoly Ferenczy on the 150th anniversary of his birth in 1862. His painting Morning Sunshine which he painted in 1905, is on the stamp. Designed by Ervin Widerkomm from a photograph by Tibor Mester, the stamp was printed by Penzjegynyomda. His self portrait, painted in 1910, is on the first day cover. His signature is used in the postmark, as are the dates of his birth and death.

Ferenczy, known as the father of Hungarian impressionism was a leading member of the artist colony of Nagybánya in Transylvania. The Nagybánya artists painted en plein air (in the open air). This meant they painted out of doors and used natural light. Ferenczy was the first of the group to achieve great success. In 1903 his paintings were exhibited in Budapest. In 1906 he became a professor at the School of Drawing (which became the College of Fine Arts) in Budapest. He continued to spend his summers at Nagybánya. He painted landscapes, portraits, Biblical scenes, and nudes.

Ferenczy’s wife and children were all artists. His wife Olga Fialka and his oldest son, Valér, were painters. His daughter, Noémi Ferenczy, became a tapestry artist and textile designer. Her twin brother, Béni Ferenczy, was a sculptor and a graphic artist who illustrated many books.