‘19th century’

Collection of Artist Relics

… and national heroes was an important element of Hungarian museum acquisition from the nineteenth century onwards. Prominent artists were surrounded by a veritable cult; elegant receptions and ceremonies were organised for them, and their funerals were held with great pomp, attracting huge crowds. Later, anniversary commemorations were regularly held to honour their memory. Thus it was only natural that, alongside artists’ works and documents, museums should also add artists’ belongings to …