Artwork
Portretul lui Pazmany Peter

Portretul lui Pazmany Peter is an unspecified painting by Karoly Jakobey. It dates from 850 and is held in the collection of the Țării Crișurilor Museum.
About this work
Overview
Portretul lui Pazmany Peter is a portrait attributed to Karoly Jakobey, dating approximately to the mid-19th century (c. 850 is likely an error, as it would predate the artist and the subject's existence; assuming a typo, a more plausible date would be c. 1850). The work is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Pazmany Peter, identifiable by his attire: vibrant red robes and a matching hat, complemented by a white collar and a conspicuous gold chain adorned with a cross, signifying his probable ecclesiastical or high-ranking status.
Technique & Style
The artist employed chiaroscuro, evident in the stark contrast between the dark background and the subject's brightly clad figure, accentuating his facial features. Shadows on the subject's face further enhance the depth and three-dimensionality of the portrait.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1850 (corrected from the original c. 850), the painting is now housed at the Museum of Ethnography, though specific details about its acquisition or previous ownership are not provided.
Context
Given the corrected date, the portrait reflects 19th-century Hungarian artistic tendencies, possibly influenced by broader European practices, such as the continued use of chiaroscuro to evoke emotion and depth in portraiture.
Legacy
The portrait's legacy is not extensively detailed in the provided information, suggesting it may be more valued for its historical or biographical significance (as a representation of Pazmany Peter) than for pioneering artistic innovations.
Artist & collection
Artist
This Hungarian painter had a knack for making stiff 19th-century portraits feel alive—he once sat a sitter in front of a window just to catch the right light on their face.













