Székely Folk Tales 1912

Aladar Korosfoi-Kriesch painted this artwork in the late 19th or early 20th century, which visualizes local folk stories. Korosfoi-Kriesch was involved in the Gödöllő artists' colony, an important association in the Hungarian Arts and Crafts movement, and this work reflects that association's interest in folk art as a way to build national identity. The scene depicts a gathering of figures, some of whom appear to be from everyday life, and some of whom are ethereal or angelic. The overall style is reminiscent of late 19th century Symbolism, which was widespread throughout Europe at the time. The question for us as art historians is: What does it mean to represent folk culture in this stylized way? Was this a genuine attempt to elevate the culture of everyday people, or was it an appropriation of folk culture in the service of nationalism? Further study of the Gödöllő artists' colony would be essential to understanding this painting.