“See that little girl? The one with the flute” I begin. “That’s the Furulyás lány statue. Right here on the Danube promenade”.
The Furulyás lány statue is more than just a pretty face. It’s a symbol of Budapest. Sculptor László Marton created it in 1972. He was inspired by his own daughter. His eldest daughter from his first marriage. She often played in the Tabán. She wore a princess costume. Her father made her a crown out of newspaper.
László Marton’s daughter played princess at home too. She pretended her bathrobes were mantles. This image moved her father. He created this small statue. He called it “Little Princess”. He wanted to capture a special moment in time. A moment of innocent childhood joy.
The original statuette is only 50 centimeters tall. It sits on the railings. It’s a sweet and charming figure. A larger version of the Furulyás lány statue was placed on the Danube promenade in 1990. Another copy stands in Tapolca. That’s the artist’s hometown. There is even a copy in Japan. The artist donated it to the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space.
The Furulyás lány statue is incredibly popular. It has become an iconic image of Budapest. Tourists love to take pictures with it. Many locals have a fond memory of it from their childhood.
Marton himself described his inspiration. He described his daughter’s playful spirit. He remembered her princess costumes. He saw this as a timeless image. He wanted to share it with the world.
“Look closely” I say. “Notice the detail in the girl’s dress. The way she holds her flute. The subtle expression on her face”. The statue is more than just a pretty picture. It tells a story. A story about a loving father. A story about childhood imagination. A story about the enduring spirit of Budapest.
The Furulyás lány statue stands as a testament to the power of art. To capture a fleeting moment in time. To create something beautiful and meaningful. Something that resonates with people for generations. So look at the Furulyás lány statue. Remember its story. And let its charm stay with you long after you’ve left Budapest.