The Studio yearbook of decorative art (1910)

HUNGARIAN ARCHITECTURE AND
DECORATION. By A. S. Levetus.

THE wave of modernism in art which swept over Germany
and Austria twelve years ago could not fail to affect Hungary,
in spite of the continual political unrest which existed in that
country. For some time previously there had been signs of
dissatisfaction amongst the architects, and a growing desire for the
development of the true Hungarian spirit in decorative art was
showing itself in some quarters. The man who acted as leader of
this movement was Fczol, and he was commissioned to carry out the
Redoute in Budapest. He openly avowed his purpose of creating
a real Hungarian style in architecture, and, in spite of the strong
opposition of the Academy, he kept to his intentions. But he found
little sympathy, and had but few followers. Nevertheless, the
Redoute remains as a lasting sign of the struggle. In originality of
conception it is unique, though in character the edifice leans rather
to the Oriental than what is usually considered the Hun-
garian style. This Fczol justified by saying that as the Magyars
originally came from the East, the style and ornament must neces-
sarily show the influence of the Orient.
A fresh impulse was given to Hungarian national art in 1896,
when preparations were being made for the Millenium Exhibition.
Here was an opportunity to show the world that there existed such
a thing as real Hungarian ornament, characteristic of the nation,
just at this time, too, Josef Hiiszkawere published his famous work,
The Hungarian Ornament and the Sze'kler House. This at once drew
public attention to the beauty and artistic value of the work of the
peasants and their manner of building. It gave an impetus to
building on their lines, with the result that a number of the villas
erected of late years are purely national in style, and to-day we find
in the country a great demand for everything Hungarian in art and
decoration.
In 1896 Odon Lechner designed for Budapest the Hungarian
Museum of Arts and Industries. The style is somewhat Indian in
feeling, but the whole scheme of decoration is purely Hungarian.
This building is important as marking the starting-point from which
modern Hungarian architecture and ornament was to develop.
Here, too, are held exhibitions, not only of native arts and
crafts, but those also of other countries, so that the public may be
kept in touch with the work that is being produced beyond the
frontiers.
At the present time architecture may be said to be in a state
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