Did you notice the Little Princess Statue sitting so serenely here? The Little Princess Statue is a beloved landmark on the Danube promenade. It captures the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
This charming sculpture was created by Lászó Marton a Munkácsy- and Kossuth Prize-winning sculptor. He created it in 1972. The Little Princess Statue wasn’t always so large. The original was a mere 50 cm statuette.
Marton drew inspiration from his daughter Évike. He had her from his first marriage. He often saw her playing in Tabán. She wore a princess costume and a newspaper crown made by her father. At home, she would drape bathrobes as a mantle. This inspired the artist to create the Little Princess Statue.
Marton himself said Évike was five years old at the time. He saw her playing in Tabán dressed as a princess. The image stuck with him and he sculpted it. He titled it “Little Princess”. He placed it in a prominent location on the Danube promenade. It soon became a symbol of Budapest.
Marton recounted that his daughter was about six years old. She was playing in the garden. She dressed up as a princess. She put a bathrobe on her shoulders and a crown on her head. Marton felt he captured a successful moment. Years later, the capital requested a statue. Marton immediately thought of the “Little Princess”. He was happy they found a good place for it.
The Little Princess Statue has gained international recognition. A larger copy was placed on the Danube promenade in 1990. Another copy stands in Tapolca the artist’s hometown. A copy even stands in Japan. It was donated by the artist. It is located in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space concert hall. The original statuette from 1972 is now owned by the Hungarian National Gallery.
The Little Princess Statue is more than just a sculpture. It represents childhood innocence and imagination. It reminds us of simpler times. The Little Princess Statue is a symbol of Budapest’s artistic spirit. It embodies the city’s charm. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate its beauty. The Little Princess Statue continues to delight visitors from around the world.