Hungary’s Royal Tastes Now on View at the National Museum

Throughout the centuries, the works of goldsmiths have been admired not only as decorative jewelry but also as symbols of status and social standing for their owners. In the first printed book of the museum’s inventory, Cimeliotheca Musei Nationalis Hungarici, published in 1825, there are numerous items of liturgical/church origin, including chalices, reliquaries, formal silverware and jewelry listed. From the late 19^th century up until WWII, the National Museum’s collection grew from scattered historical collections in church and family treasuries. To this day it is predominantly these items that make up the collection.

The majority of the works shown in the exhibition came into the museum’s collection in the mid to late 20^th century, during the Socialist period in Hungary, when many were forced to part with precious heirlooms. Acquisitions of outstanding aesthetic and technical quality – significant to art history – and works which were specific to various social classes were also made from the Pawn Store Company along with the Watch and Jewelry Trade Company.

A number of these are outstanding artifacts of national history and craftsmanship such as “The Golden Chalice” by Miklos Palffy, which was gifted by his family, and “The Holy Communion Chalice” made by Gyorgy Rakoczi, which was purchased for the collection.

There are also a sizeable number of works made outside the territory of the former Habsburg Monarchy, especially the splendid works of Viennese goldsmiths. At that time this city was a reference point for Hungarian artisans, as well as members of the Hungarian nobility and bourgeoisie, who purchased many Viennese works.