Munkácsy Art Mission: The Birth of The Conquest

Mihály Munkácsy (1844–1900) was the first Hungarian painter to achieve international acclaim and remains one of the most influential figures of Hungarian national art. He rose from humble beginnings, starting his career as a carpenter’s apprentice, yet conquered the world with his monumental canvases. His style is defined by Romantic Realism, largely untouched by the modern artistic trends of his time. His mastery of human expression, his dramatic atmospheres, and his powerful psychological depth have made works such as The Yawning Apprentice, The Last Day of a Condemned Man, and the Christ Trilogy enduring and impactful.

By 1890, Munkácsy had gained worldwide recognition, but he still longed for one thing: a commission from his homeland. When that long-awaited moment arrived, he was given the opportunity to depict one of the most significant episodes in Hungarian history — the solemn entrance of the Hungarian tribes into the Carpathian Basin. He worked for years on the painting, created for the newly constructed Hungarian Parliament Building. Measuring 4.5 meters in height and 13.5 meters in width, the artwork is truly monumental. At its center stands Prince Árpád, leading his people on horseback, while the large-scale composition conveys both historical weight and profound emotional depth.

It is within the framework of the Munkácsy Art Mission that the exhibition The Birth of The Conquest was created, presenting the full story and the creative process behind one of Munkácsy’s most renowned works. The travelling exhibition includes the 6.25 × 2.16 meter color sketch — a masterpiece in its own right — as well as the monumental charcoal drawing.

This nationwide showcase is more than a simple exhibition — it is an encounter with Munkácsy’s dreams and struggles. Visitors can follow the journey of the artwork: from the success of its Paris debut, to its celebratory presentation in Budapest, and ultimately to the painful moment when news arrived that the painting had been rejected. Yet the story concludes with a reassuring realization: today, The Conquest stands as one of the most significant works within the Hungarian Parliament. Through contemporaneous documents and captivating stories, the exhibition reveals how a Hungarian artist’s personal dream became a true national treasure.

The travelling exhibition is open from 2 December 2025 at the House of the Arts in Gödöllő (2100 Gödöllő, Szabadság út 6.), Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free for all visitors, as we believe that the experience of art should be accessible to everyone.