Szilágyi András (szerk.): Ars Decorativa 26. (Budapest, 2008)
Ildikó PANDUR: Variations on a Sculpture. Questions and Answers Concerning the 'Ironworker' Sculpture Formerly in the Jungfer Collection
16. Martin Steel. Monument presented in the section of the Mining and Metallurgy Group of the Hungarian Pavilion, Paris, World Exposition, 1900 Although not in the form of sculpture in the round, the theme received expression in Ede Margó's works later on also. The figure of a worker dressed in a similar way to the 'Ironworker' and holding a pair of pincers appears in the ceremonial courtyard of the Hungarian Commercial Bank of Budapest" among the figures in relief 2 (ill. 17). A supplier of the Imperial and Royal Court, the Steiner firm that turned out the beaten-metal 'Ironworker' sculpture won a gold medal in Paris and in St. Louis with its products. It undertook casting also, but as early as the Millennial Exhibition of 1896 placed an emphasis on sculptures as its speciality. 1 3 Its facility in the use of beaten copper in large creations was proved by its sculptural group on the facade of the Palace of Justice (Supreme Court) at the turn of the 20 th century. The triumphal three-horse chariot crowning the tympanum on the main elevation of this building is one of the most monumental architectural sculptures made using beaten copper in the whole of Budapest (ill. 18). The car, which is pulled by Genius, was designed by Károly Senyéi, and 'was beaten out of copper 3 mm thick that was mounted on a strong iron frame, (ill. 19) This last work was executed in the Budapest factory of the Steiner Brothers, moreover according to a technique that was completely new for them.' 14 Perhaps it is from this time on that we can regard the Armin Steiner firm as true specialists in the genre of monumental sculpture also. It was in this period that it featured with works made from beaten copper on another Hauszmann construction project, the alterations to the Royal Castle. Of smaller size were the devil's head urns designed by Hauszmann, modelled by Antal Szabó and 17. Bronze relief in the courtyard of the Hungarian Commercial Bank of Budapest, between 1906-1909
