ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Károly Ferenczy exhibition at Petit Palais explores Hungarian modernity

exhibition · 2026-04-21

From April 14 to September 6, 2026, the Petit Palais in Paris will present 'Károly Ferenczy. Modernité hongroise.' This exhibition delves into the career of the Hungarian artist, highlighting his influences from naturalism, impressionism, and the Nabi movement. Ferenczy, who was born in Vienna, initially pursued studies in law and agronomy before relocating to Munich, Italy, and Paris. He played a pivotal role in the Nagybánya artists' colony situated in Transylvania. His renowned 1896 piece, 'Le Sermon sur la montagne,' is often showcased at the Hungarian National Gallery. The exhibition will feature over 300 artworks, including 'Double Portrait (Noémi et Béni)' (1908), and highlights his 'plein soleil' phase around 1903, which produced 'Bain du soir' (1906). Ferenczy passed away in 1917 and received a gold medal at the 1905 Venice Biennale.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'Károly Ferenczy. Modernité hongroise' runs April 14 to September 6, 2026 at Petit Palais in Paris
  • Ferenczy was born in Vienna, studied in Hungary, lived in Munich, Italy, and Paris
  • He was a key figure in the Nagybánya artists' colony in Transylvania (now Baia Mare, Romania)
  • Won gold medal at 1905 Venice Biennale for 'Le Peintre et son modèle (dans l'atelier)'
  • His 'plein soleil' period began around 1903 with brighter, impressionistic works
  • Five of his paintings were acquired by Budapest's national fine arts museum at its 1906 inauguration
  • Ferenczy died in 1917 at age 55, leaving over 300 paintings
  • He spoke six languages, was francophile, but never gave interviews or theorized his art

Entities

Artists

  • Károly Ferenczy
  • Henri Matisse
  • Simon Hollósy
  • István Réti
  • János Thorma
  • József Rippl-Rónai
  • Valér Ferenczy
  • Jules-Bastien Lepage
  • Rembrandt
  • Titien
  • Courbet
  • Matisse
  • Cezanne
  • Auguste Renoir
  • Picasso
  • Monet

Institutions

  • Petit Palais
  • Beaux Arts Magazine
  • Galerie nationale hongroise - musée des Beaux-Arts
  • Biennale de Venise
  • Sotheby's
  • Arte

Locations

  • Paris
  • France
  • Budapest
  • Hungary
  • Vienna
  • Austria
  • Nagybánya
  • Baia Mare
  • Romania
  • Transylvania
  • Munich
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Carpates
  • Gutâi
  • Săsar
  • Madrid
  • Spain
  • Pays basque

Sources