The statue of Batthyány in Budapest

Abstract

Víziváros (lit. Water City) is a timehonoured, evocative quarter of Buda between the Danube and Várhegy (Castle Hill). It is between two popular tourists’ areas — the Várnegyed (Castle Quarter) and the downtown of Pest —, situated “in the shade”. Batthyány Square is one of the central squares of the district with its former Upper Market place, the parish church and the market-hall that was built at the very beginning of the 20th century. Its peaceful, urban open space state was broken by Kossuth Bridge that was built here after World War II (and stood between 1946-1956), then, the preparatory area of subway constructions occupied most of its territory (1952-1972). No sooner than opening it to the public it has become a bus terminal, an interchange station, and it is being used for the same purpose today, too. In the same time, here the open space is the oldest remaining Baroque square of Budapest that has a nice U-shape form and a profusely unfolding view to the Danube. The prides of the square are the statue of Ferenc Kölcsey — the poet of the Hungarian national anthem — erected in 1939, and the commemorative plaque on the wall of the presbytery depicting Jesuit priest and poet Ferenc Faludi (1704-1779) — sculptured by László Szomor. Eponym of the square, Lajos Batthyány — prime minister of the government of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-1849 — did not have a sculpture until 2008. Batthyány, the leader of the first independent Hungarian government was executed. He was buried in secret at night, and not even his name was engraved into his tomb, only his monogram. In Budapest, on site of his execution a sanctuary lamp has been shining in honour of his memory since 1926. The memorial place was the scene of several street demonstrations in 1941, 1943, 1979 and 1988. His personality was subject to ambivalent judgement in the years of the socialism, because although he was connected to the revolution, he came from an aristocratic family. However, he was the symbol of independence and freedom during the Soviet occupation. These reasons all went a long way to delay the erection of his statue by 150 years. The dedication of the piece happened in a delicate situation of domestic politics, virtually it was carried out secretly. The work of art, its environment and placement are special due to different aspects. During the EU development period of 2007-2014 numerous public spaces underwent renewals, but most of them were excessive developments amassing fountains and other public artworks, including plenty of decorative paving. On the other hand, this particular statue is a fresh exception: moderate, inconspicuous, realising what is just necessary. During the recent years, a certain “past reconstruction” process has been carried out at a number of locations, that included ill-considered “space penetrations”, and also a great number of statues came into existence that might have been created centuries ago. Society is divided from an artistic aspect, too. Géza Stremeny’s Batthyány statue is a contemporary work of art, that fits into the historical environment in a sensitive way but in the same time it pays attention to the taste of the public as well. By placing the statue and shaping its environment, landscape architect Péter Török created a work of abiding value and temperance. We cherish the hope that their example becomes exemplary for a greater number of people.