How can a simple plaque tell such a rich story? Here stands the Prokop Péter pap-festőművész – író Plaque. It commemorates a life dedicated to art faith and homeland.
This plaque is dedicated to Prokop Péter. He was a priest painter and writer. The plaque marks where he lived and worked. He spent his final years here after 42 years of emigration in Rome.
Prokop Péter was born in 1919 and died in 2003. The plaque was placed here in 2010. It was erected by the Csepel organization of Fidesz and the Prokop Péter Prize Curatorium.
Prokop Péter was born in Kalocsa. He was one of the most significant Hungarian priest-artists of the 20th century. His art was defined by deep religious faith. It also reflected modern expressionistic styles. Aba Novák and Csontváry were his main examples.
Prokop showed artistic talent early. He drew on his tailor father’s papers at age five. He studied at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts. His masters included Kontuly Béla and Barcsay Jenő.
He couldn’t finish his studies due to church service. This disappointment led him to create woodcuts. In 1950 he painted a 100 square meter fresco. It adorned the sanctuary wall of the Sükösd church.
In 1956 Prokop left Hungary. He was encouraged by Belon Gellért. He eventually arrived in Rome. There he completed his art studies. He found freedom and inspiration in Rome.
Michelangelo’s art deeply moved him. He worked on the set of a Michelangelo film. He created the Lybica Sibilla figure for the Sistine Chapel reconstruction. He discovered Paul Klee’s art.
Prokop decorated many churches in Rome. He created frescoes and stained glass windows. He also worked in two American churches. In 1970 he created stained glass windows. They were for the Saint Stephen chapel in Fatima.
Prokop maintained ties with Hungary. After the political changes he divided his life between Budapest and Rome. He gifted much of his art to Hungary.
In 1999 Prokop Péter returned to Hungary. He chose Csepel as his permanent home. It was in the Saint Joseph Home of the Kalocsa School Sisters. He helped to establish this home.
Erdei Éva Gallery was opened by Prokop Péter in 2003. The Prokop-Péter Prize was established in 2006 after the artist’s death. Németh Szilárd placed a commemorative plaque in 2010.
Prokop Péter’s largest collection is held by the Archdiocese of Kalocsa. His largest permanent exhibition is in the Saint Joseph Home in Csepel. The Christian Museum of Esztergom oversees it.
Lelkes Márk created Prokop’s portrait statue. The statue base features both an easel and a cross. This symbolizes Prokop’s dual role. He was an artist and a pastor.
The Prokop Péter pap-festőművész – író Plaque commemorates a man of faith art and dedication. His legacy continues to inspire. It enriches both Csepel and the wider world. Let us remember Prokop Péter. He expressed the inexpressible mysteries of God through his art.