The Mourning of László Hunyadi

Viktor Madarász was one of the greatest Hungarian exponents of romantic history painting. His pictures conjure up the past, especially questionsrelated to national independence, and aim to stir passionate emotions. Most of his works were painted during the nearly 20 years he spent in Paris and reflect the influence of French romantic painting. László Hunyadi, the son of the great defeater of the Ottomans János Hunyadi, was ordered to be killed by Vadislav V. Young Hunyadi was popular among Hungarians, hence he was a rival to the young, inexperienced king who served foreign interests. The Hunyadi theme was very popular int he history painting of the century; László Hunyadi’s farewell, his dying was depicted by many and in many different ways. Madarász’ painting captures a very special moment, the deatwatch. Next to the body covered by a white shroud is his mother Erzsébet Szilágyi and his bride Mária Gara, Their movements and facial expressions conveying profound frief. The light filtering through the chapel window and the dim light of the candles reinforce the feeling of sadness and mourning int he spectator. On account of the dramatic rendering the picture became a symbol of national mourning over the suppression of the war of liberation. Of 1848-1849. Madarász received one of the gold medals at the Paris Salon in 1860 for this painting.