King László V and Ulrik Cillei 1870

Bertalan Szekely painted ‘King László V and Ulrik Cillei,’ capturing a moment rife with political and personal tension. Painted in the late 19th century, the artwork reflects Hungary’s complex relationship with its history and national identity, during a time of cultural and political upheaval. The painting depicts a scene of royal intrigue, with King László and his advisor Ulrik Cillei amidst a backdrop of dancers. Szekely layers the scene with a palpable sense of unease, the lavish setting unable to mask the power dynamics at play. The gaze of the figures, the positioning of bodies all suggests a world in which masculinity and power dominate. The painting can be read as an exploration of the burden of leadership and the fragility of power, while also touching on themes of cultural identity and historical memory. Szekely’s work serves as a potent reminder of the ways in which history shapes our present.