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Bertalan Székely was an outstanding master of Hungarian historical painting, also expressing the tragedy of the defeat in the War of Independence in his monumental works. He based his historical paintings on colourful, dynamic sketches and studies.
This painting of "László V and Czillei," painted in subdued tones and mellow scarlets, is one of the best of its kind. He presents an excellent characterization of the helpless child-king, László V, and his deceitful uncle, Ulrik Czillei overpowers his young charge with wine, food, jesting, music and dance, and all the while the King mechanically signs the decrees and death sentences. It was a moral verdict on the leading noblemen of the time, who ruined the country for their own interests. It was therefore not surprising that Székely did not win a single prize with this picture. Its artistic values could not be denied, however, and the picture was bought for the National Museum.
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