IN MEMORIAM PÁL VÁGÓ (1853-1928)

THE PAINTER OF BATTLE-PICTURES AND CYCLORAMAS was rewarded with the FRENCH MEDAL OF HONOUR

The thousandth anniversary of the Hungarian state's foundation coincides with the hunredth anniversary of the painting's exhibition and winning the Grand Prix.

The 1900 World Exhibition in Paris was the first occasion when Hungary introduced itself to the world in a pavillion of its own. The most popular section of the exhibition was the Hussar Hall. Hussars were a significant branch of cavalry in the European military history. It was Pál Vágó (1853-1928) who painted this huge painting (18 x 3,5 m) glorifying hussars. Hussars of other nationalities such as Dutch, Swedish, Danish French and English are also represented in the painting. They trace their origin back to Hungarian hussars.

The sensation of the Paris World exhibiton "The History of Hussars" first went on a world tour, then was exhibited at the Ludovika Military Academy in Budapest. The painting was damaged in the Second World War.

As the picture having been kept in unsuitable conditions in the storage of the Military Museum for 50 years, The "Magyar Huszárság 400 éve" Private Foundation had it restored. The renaissance of the painting is due to the widow of the painter's grandchild, who covered the costs of the restoration from public contributions and from her own private property by her tremendous efforts.

After the restoration the painting has been exhibited in the Marble Hall of the Museum of Military History in the Castle of Buda.

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