...this is a small piece of a 360 degree, wonderful painting.
Hungarian artist, Arpad Feszty (1856-1914) painted a panoramic picture at the end of the 19th century. Nearly twenty painters were involved in the work; and in less than two years' time, in 1894, this monumental mural was completed.
The detailed painting chronicles The Conquest -- the most important event in Hungarian history -- with more than 2000 people, including horseman, chieftains and peasants painted onto the canvas.
In the background, one can see the beautiful valley of Voloc [pronounced: "volots"] - the landscape around Munkacs, which was the scene of the Conquest, and is now part of the Ukraine.
The panorama is significant in artistic value and in size, as well. It is 120 meters long and 15 meters wide - forming a gigantic circle of 38 meters.
During World War II, the painting was damaged. Then, for years, it was stored in a basement room of the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest.
In 1970, the decision was made regarding the final home of the painting. The much-abused painting was to be placed in
Ópusztaszer, the site of the first parliament held by the conquering Hungarians.
Restoration work began in 1991, when highly experienced artisans arrived from Poland and formed the restoration team. The painting, which is an excellent example of Hungarian Romanticism, regained its splendour in 1995.
For the thousands of people who visit the centuries old traditional treasures of Hungarian cultural heritage, the National Memorial Park of Ópusztaszer will probably be one of the most pleasant and memorable.
