Prohászka László: Equestrian Statues - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1997)

The Savoy statüe and its surroundings between

THE WORLD WARS

symbolise Hungary’s one-time conqueror, the Ottoman Empire. In front, also carved into limestone, is Hungary’s coat-of-arms with the crown in Baroque style. The field below the escutcheon remained blank for decades, and the inscription Saooyai Eugen 1663-1736 was added as late as 1986. The two longer planes of the base are decorated with one relief each. The one on the north side features a scene depicting the taking of the fortifications of Zenta, while in the southern relief Róna immortalised the famous cavalry charge which had decided the battle. The artist proved, especially with the latter piece, his mastery of carving horse figures (a job demanding a high standard of artistic skill) into reliefs as well as statues.

A horse-shoe shaped, ornamental, Baroque stairs built behind the statue - an exquisite feature designed by Alajos Hauszmann - turned the monument into an integral part of the palace. It is regrettable that the beautiful, two-flight stairs, which so harmoniously complemented the statue and its base, were demolished rather than renovated in the

8