A timeline from today into the past and near future at the same place in Stefánia...
More precisely within the walls of the STEFÁNIA PALACE, which showcases both the traditions of the past 130 years since its foundation and the special paintings and exclusive artifacts that will be displayed during the FÖLDVÁRY AUTUMN GRAND Charity Auction on the first weekend of September.
All these facts provide the opportunity to evoke the past when, in 1895, the edition of the Sunday Newspaper published on May 19 reported to the esteemed public that the PARK – CLUB had opened its gates in the vicinity of the Liget, established by the initiative of Count Mihály Eszterházy with a capital of half a million forints - built according to the plans of architect Artúr Meinig. (The interesting time parallel is that at the time of the Palace’s birth, the currency known as the FORINT was also in fashion throughout the Monarchy. The proud heraldic designs of silver coins and the portrait of the ruling Emperor Franz Joseph remind us of the monetary history of the era.)
The era that its artistic creations from the 19th century will come to the auction exhibition that can be visited from September 5 to 7, which can be viewed by interested parties within the walls of the palace.
Of course, we cannot account for everything in advance, but the history of the Palace that hosts the exhibition has surely been followed by those special grandfather clocks serving time since their inception, whose mechanisms were built together earlier so that they could witness the passage of historical times.
The masterpieces of craftsmanship arrive here thanks to the auction organizers. Clock mechanisms embraced by intricately carved tortoise shell that welcome those arriving here with their astonishing beauty. Grandiose forms in historicizing styles created by contemporary French sculptors, the ornate rulers of time - those clocks, which are lavish sculptures, exciting images, will all be on display together with the masterpieces of the internationally renowned Zsolnay Manufactory, all to be seen as guests within the elegant walls of the Honvéd Cultural Palace.
The beloved faces of the past, painted dames, and portraits of celebrities parade before us along with the softly embracing landscapes of the homeland. The portrait of Gyula Andrássy’s wife, painted by Bertalan Karlovszky, recalls one of the most deserving families among the greats of Hungarian society. (Her husband, Count Gyula Andrássy, was the Prime Minister of the 19th-century Kingdom of Hungary and previously the joint Foreign Minister of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy!!!)
Excitement, a wealth of sights, and a wonderfully composed exhibition await those who wish for a little relaxation from the September diligence of school starting and are drawn to the tangible reality of beauty and values.
And as for what these values are, we will give you a more detailed taste in our upcoming readings... Until then, we reflect on how the auction organizers see the inherited civic virtue from the past, the charitable support of SOCIAL VALUES and those who are worthy of it...
Károly Érmes Ács
auction curator