Masterpieces on Paper from Budapest

The exhibition presents a selection of works from the extensive holdings of the Museum of Fine Arts – Hungarian National Gallery of Budapest and offers a unique view of eight centuries of prints and drawings that emphasizes the evolution and technical diversity of the genre as a reflection of its rich traditions and capacity for innovation. From delicate sketches capturing the immediacy of an artist’s thought to detailed studies for larger compositions, the show brings together pieces dating from around 1400 to the present day. The collection focuses on the connection between artistic thought and creativity and highlights the importance of the works on paper in human expression—“a form of language” in contemporary sculptor Richard Serra’s own words—and the power of the medium to express complex ideas and emotions throughout the centuries.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest holdings comprise dozens of thousands of drawings and some 100,000 prints, whose delicate nature makes it impossible to have them on view for prolonged periods of time. Thus the exhibition presents an exceptional opportunity to contemplate works that are usually only seen in temporary exhibitions or in specialized publications.