Beneath the sky, the bronze figure stands. This is the Kölcsey Ferenc Bust. It is more than just a statue. It is a story etched in bronze.
Let me tell you about Kölcsey Ferenc. He was the poet who penned Hungary’s national anthem. The ‘Himnusz’ is a symbol of national pride. This bust commemorates his literary genius.
The original Kölcsey statue stood far from here. It was in Nagykároly now Satu Mare. Ede Kallós sculpted it in 1897. The statue depicted Kölcsey thoughtfully standing. He was atop a large stone block. He wore Hungarian dress from the 1830s. He held a book.
After Trianon, tragedy struck. Vandals damaged the statue multiple times. In 1934, they sawed off its head. They replaced it with green branches. Imagine the outrage. A newspaper reported the vandals greased their saw. This ensured silence as they stole the head.
Kallós mourned the destruction of his work. He recalled the unveiling. Representatives of the Kölcsey family were present. Tens of thousands sang “God bless the Hungarian”. The statue was eventually melted down.
But the story doesn’t end there. Kölcsey’s spirit could not be extinguished. Five years later, Kallós recreated the statue. He used his original plaster samples. This new statue found its home in Budapest. It was erected in 1939. This commemorated the centenary of Kölcsey’s death.
Initially, it stood in the middle of Batthyány Square. It faced the Parliament. But progress has a way of changing things. Subway construction forced its relocation. For a time, it was stored in a museum warehouse.
In 1974, the Kölcsey Ferenc Bust returned to Batthyány Square. It now stands on the northern edge. It is next to the Hungarian Charity Service building.
Look closely at the bust. Notice Kölcsey’s head is slightly bowed. The original high pedestal made him seem to look down upon us. Now it gives the impression that it is just staring in front of itself sadly. Despite its less prominent position, the Kölcsey Ferenc Bust endures. It defies age and time. It stands like Hungarian culture itself.
So, take a moment to appreciate this tribute to Kölcsey. Remember the poet. Remember his words. Remember the journey of this statue. It is a reminder of Hungary’s rich cultural tapestry.