Hungarian Modernity: A Retrospective Exhibition Celebrating a Hidden Gem of Painting at the Petit Palais

Discover Károly Ferenczy, a Hungarian painter from the late 19th century, renowned for his distinctive style and work, yet relatively unknown across borders. The Petit Palais aims to introduce this exceptional artist to the French audience with a groundbreaking exhibition — the first-ever retrospective of Ferenczy’s work in France.

From April 14 to September 6, 2026, the Petit Palais is hosting an exhibition titled Károly Ferenczy: Hungarian Modernity. Visitors can enjoy a rich selection of the artist’s works, mostly loaned from Hungarian museums and private collections in Budapest.

Károly Ferenczy stands out as one of Hungary’s most celebrated artists. His work blends naturalism with aesthetics, earning him the reputation as the "father of Hungarian Impressionism" and the "founder of modern Hungarian painting," according to the Hungarian National Gallery. As such, he remains a pivotal figure in the country’s art history.

Károly Ferenczy was trained and inspired by Italian, German, and Parisian art schools. Eventually, he settled in the Nagybánya colony, where he and fellow artists embraced en plein air painting, seeking closer ties with nature. Their work takes on a spiritual and symbolic quality, with nature playing a central role in their expression.

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The artist favors bold, vibrant colors. His work includes portraits, everyday scenes, landscapes, and still lifes... The exhibition highlights the wide variety of his subjects, showcasing the evolution of his style and interests through these exceptional paintings.

The exhibition also explores the cultural ties between France and Hungary, exemplified by Károly Ferenczy and his connections to France and French artists. It further highlights the relationships between the artist and prominent cultural and intellectual figures of his time, recalling Ferenczy’s widespread popularity during his lifetime and the lasting legacy he left in Hungarian art.

The Petit Palais invites us on a journey to explore the work of a major European artist, broadening our artistic horizons. This is a must-see exhibition scheduled for spring 2026.