MaNDAHungarian National Digital Archive

One of the most enigmatic figures in Hungarian painting, Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka did not simply paint – he captured feverish visions that were at once confessions, maps, and cosmic messages. His artworks offer more than images: they present a worldview, a life philosophy, and a mystical vocation. He was the painter of the "sun path." This virtual exhibition presents his exceptional oeuvre, the spiritual background behind it, and the unique qualities of his art.

In the memory of posterity, St. Ladislaus (Hungarian: László) was an athletic, brave and heroic knight king. We know surprisingly much about his life; the chronicles are wordy, especially in the descriptions of battles and throne strifes. These descriptions drew a tough and purposeful ruler who also fenced very well. Still, the greatest merit of Ladislaus I of Hungary was that he continued Stephen's church-building work and consolidated the country's internal order during the period of internal strifes. Béla III of Hungary also contributed to the development of the Ladislaus cult, when he canonized Ladislaus on 27 June, 1192 with papal approval. This week we are dealing with his cult.

Folk instruments are essential components of traditional peasant music. Most ancient instruments were relatively easy to make and were primarily associated with shepherds – such as the flute (furulya), reed whistle (nádsíp), swineherd's horn (kanásztülök), shepherd's horn (kürt), and the bagpipe (duda). The poorer classes – day laborers, peasants, and servants – also had their own sound-producing devices, which were mainly used for rhythm, such as clashing spoons and pots. Instruments like the zither (citera) and the button accordion (gombosharmonika) also belonged to this world.

Furnishing is good, especially if you can express your creative energies in your own homes. Some choose from the selection of the Swedish store chain, others make their flats cosier by rethinking granny’s cupboard set. Many of you must remember the original shapes of retro furniture: besides sticky faux leather armchairs or varnished wardrobe sets, the legendary shell-shaped red armchair is still a designer item. For the interior decorators and designers of the 1970s and 1980s, filling the interior spaces of blocks of flats with new forms must have been a real challenge. However, the results speak for themselves. Réka cupboard set, Pillangó (Butterfly) sofa or the star of the ‘60s Erika chair are still living with us. This week, we invite you to a furniture expo with Sándor Bauer’s photos.