Amerikai Magyar Hírlap, 2010 (22. évfolyam, 1-50. szám)
2010-07-09 / 27. szám
Unprecedented Recognition for Americo and Eva Makk Gold Medal from Hungarian Ministry of Defense In May 2010, Lt. General József Holló, General Director of the Hungarian Ministry of Defense’s Institute and Museum of Military History, handed a prestigious award to Americo Makk, world-renown artist and head of a family of artists. The Gold Medal and accompanying Certificate It was not only Mr. Makk’s enormous talent as a painter that was being honored, but also the historical research he had conducted. He and his wife Eva discovered - and subsequently painted in two different versions - a little known but extremely significant episode of Hungarian history. The event is called “The Battle of Pressburg” (A pozsonyi csata). Dr. János Molnár describes the battle and its background in his article in much detail. We just quote a couple of paragraphs: “In the summer of 907 a campaign was launched against Hungary that concluded the 45-year process of the foundafion of the Hungarian state. In the short run it has brought 123 years of peace and prosperity to Hungary, and in the long run it has sealed the fate of Hungary, Europe, and the entire Christian culture. Had this campaign ended with Hungarian defeat, there would probably be no Hungary today, no Hungarians, nor those values which evolved with the initiative, decisive contribution and selfless protection of the Hungarians. These values are the freedom of religion and the human rights of freedom - the pillars of our present society. Part of this campaign is known as the Battle of Pressburg after the location of the decisive battle. The Western chronicles of the Annales Fuldenses, Annalium Bioarum and Annales Iuvavenses write about the campaign and the events leading to it. The Hungarian Árpád and Arnulf, the leader of the Eastern Frank Empire were allies. This alliance ended after the death of emperor Arnulf, and could not be renewed after .the murder of the co-ruler of Hungary, Kurszán kende. The new leader of the Estern Frank Empire, King Louis released his army with these words: „Ungros... eliminandos esse!” Eliminate the Hungarians! The goal was to strike an annihilating blow to Hungary and to return from the campaign with rich spoils of war after ransacking the country. The German high nobility participated in this battle, from King Louis to the Bavarian lords. In addition, the Roman Christian Church also participated with a total presence: the high clerics of the Empire took charge leading the southern army, dressed in full armor; with sword in hand. A crusader army was formed two centuries before the crusades to the Holy Land.” Americo (Imre) Makk was born in 1927 at Pannonhalma. He frequented the Academy of Fine Arts, then studied in Italy - Florence, Venice and Verona - on a scholarship, and continued at the Arts Academy in Rome. He and his wife and fellow artist Eva later taught at the Art Academy of Sao Paolo, Brazil. Between 1956-1962, he was the official painter of the Brazilian government, and prepared, among other things, one of the world’s largest ceiling mural for the Cathedral of Manaus. He and Eva also painted scenes from the lives of the people of Amazonas. The United States welcomed the Makks with open arms. Their paintings'can be found in the White House, as well as the Capitol and the UN Headquarters. They painted portraits of many celebrities, including Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. The family, now complete with a painter son AB, has always remained true to their Hungarian origins, depicting crucial events of Hungarian history, especially the events of the Revolution of 1956. Their works are characterized by realistic portrayal and the liberal use of colors. Eva Makk’s paintings are also influenced by impressionism. In both their works, the characteristics of the monumental art of the Italian Cinquecento can frequently be found. Lt. General Dr. József Holló proclaimed in a Letter of Commendation that “Americo Makk and his family are important voices for the survival of Hungary and its history, the excellent ambassadors of fine arts.” They are recipients of the Golden Commemorative Medal of Hungarian Heritage. SUSAN JANCSO Mr. Americo Makk and his friend and host in Los Angeles, Mr. Erdélyi paid a visit recently to the Csárdás Hungarian Restaurant in Hollywood Éva Makk (in red) and Americo Makk at the reception among high-ranking military officials Americo Makk receives the medal from Lt. General Dr. József Holló, with Éva looking on Americo Makk holding the medal and the certificate, sharing the memorable event and the work behind it with Hírlap Editor Susan and Publisher Julius Jancso at the Csárdás THE BATTLE OF PRESSBURG - Presentation of the painting by the artist Americo Makk Imre THE DECISIVE AND BRILLIANT VICTORY OF ÁRPÁD HAS SECURED THE HOMELAND July 3 - 7, 907 On the left side of the painting the United European forces can be observed. Equipped with heavy cavalry and heavy armor. Their maneuverability is limited. This army is weary from the looting and the long march in heavy armor. The sudden avalanche of the defenders crumbles their forces. Under the great pressure they are consumed by despair. The moment of the army’s collapse is shown by the flying crown of prince Luitpold. Hopelessness is carved onto the faces of the fighting archbishop, high clerics and nobility who are pressed back into their own troops. Árpád and his Hungarians (Magyars) are on the right side. Light cavalry, excellent maneuverability. Disciplined, self-conscious and determined fighting morale. Fast striking operations. The enemy cornered against the Danube, and then showered by flights of arrows, as seen in the background. The key to Hungarian victory was brilliant tactics. Maneuverability won over raw overpowering force. This battle has secured the homeland in the Carpathians, in which the tribes have created the FIRST UNITED STATES OF EUROPE: Hungary. Július 9,2010 Q) HUNGARY’S GOT TALENT! Americo Makk: THE BATTLE OF PRESSBURG AMERIKAI Magyar Hírlap
