Kisfaludy Strobl Zsigmond (1884-1975) (Zalaegerszeg, 2004)

Zsigmond Kisfaludy Strobl (1884–1975)

Kisfaludi Stróbl Zsigmond The whole career of Zsigmond Kisfaludi Stróbl determined the atmosphere of Hungarian millenium (1895-1896) and the academical, neoclassic efforts of the turn of the century established by arts of János Fadrusz, György Zala, Ede Teles, Alajos Stróbl. In his artistic profession of faith he insisted on the importance of nature-neighbouring, and this means for him the clarity and his relationship to spectacle. He refused the formal efforts and trends of avant-garde art raised questions of theory of art, and steadily progressed along a beginning path. He was not touched by the intellectual and cultural crisis of the turn of the 19-20* centuries, which generated innovations, he perceived that the traditional form of expression is perfect for him to manifest his artistic message. The direct and suitable contact with costumer and public was important for him, but it was not attributed to the detriment of quality. He was qualified to work on a steadily high level, that must be admitted not only by his admirers, but a lot of people envy him. If the history of art in the 20

th century is defined as the history of advanced art and the history of continuous formal renewing and permanent changing of connoisseurship - as the studies in the history of art about this are susceptible - than in this process surely a modest place may concern to him among "the others". But as interpretation of concept of art if we perceive definite steadiness, and this fact as the basic point of departure of our appreciation considered, and we emphasize the artistic quality apart from styles, trends, disposition, Zsigmond Kisfaludi Stróbl was reckoned one of the most remarkable, acceptable real demands Hungarian artists of the last century. After the death of the artist the heritage devolved to his only daughter, who with compliance with the last will of her father - handed it over the town of Zalaegerszeg in return for a small consideration. According to the master's wish the sculptures of his life-work in studio and the works which were family's property were held together, and became into a public collection where the collection received with recognition and exhibited subject the conditions. Zsigmond Kisfaludi Stróbl, who was born in Zala county, and in times of need of his life-period the county aided him during 3 years by stipend of Deák Ferenc Foundation, therefore it was obvious that the estate has been found at home in the museum of county town. The formal opening of the exhibition was on 15. September 1976, the scene of this exhibition was the ground floor in the south side of the Göcseji Museum, in an exhibition room of the building. After 5 years, in 1981 the first catalogue of the exhibition was completed, then in 1990 a new, descriptive booklet of small size about the exhibition was published, similarly to the former catalogue with bicoloured illustrations. The commemorative exhibition was given its present place in 1981. In 2003 the room was partly renewed, but the interior details preserved the earlier forms. The present catalogue is published on the occasion of the 120. anniversary of the artist's birth. László Kostyál 19