A Móra Ferenc Múzeum Évkönyve: Studia Historica 4. (Szeged, 2001)

FORGÓ Géza: Horthy Miklós Makón

GÉZA FORGÓ MIKLÓS HORTHY AT MAKÓ In 1929, Miklós Horthy paid his second visit to Makó. A First World War Memorial was unveiled at that time, which still represents one of the most important features on the main square of the town up to the present day. In 1923, Mayor Dr. Jenő Nikelszky had recommended the erection of a memorial to the heroic dead of the world war. This plan was only realised slowly, as it required the mutual sacrifice of both the representative body and the citizens of the town. Applications were invited, and the commission was awarded to János Pásztor. The statue was unveiled by Miklós Horthy, the Governor of Hungary, on September 29, 1929, when he paid his respects to the 798 heroic dead of Makó. There were many portraits of notable persons on display in the Council Chamber of the town's representative body. Among these portraits was that of Miklós Horthy, who at that time — mainly as a matter of conscience — was held in great esteem. The local representatives admired the deservedly famous painting by Fülöp László very much, and would have loved to see it on the wall of their Councü Chamber. A plan for the realisation of this aim was again initiated by Mayor Dr. Jenő Nikelszky. He commissioned artist Imre Torma of Makó to make a copy of the original portrait, which work was completed in 1939. The portrait was unveiled on March 1, 1941. Since that time, however, the painting has disappeared.