Pál Szinyei Merse

Pál Szinyei Merse was a Hungarian painter regarded as a pioneer of modern painting in his country. Born in 1845, he startled the art world with a bright, sunlit scene of friends relaxing on a grassy hillside, painted in fresh, natural color at almost the same time the French Impressionists were developing similar ideas. He arrived at this modern approach largely on his own.

At first his work was poorly received at home, and discouraged, he painted little for years before later winning the recognition he deserved. His joyful painting of a picnic in May became a landmark of Hungarian art. Szinyei Merse is honored as a founding figure of modern Hungarian painting and a lover of light and open air.