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Matthias Corvinus Monument

The Matthias Corvinus Monument is a bronze statuary group in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, on today’s Union Square. Created by sculptor János Fadrusz and inaugurated in 1902, it is listed as a historic monument. The work portrays Matthias Corvinus, king of Hungary, on horseback, surrounded by four generals and high officers of the Crown: Pál Kinizsi, Balázs Magyar, István Szapolyai, and István Báthory. The pedestal, designed by architect Lajos Pákey, evokes a bastion from the city’s fortified walls. The monument became an emblem of Cluj and was restored in 2010–2011 under the direction of Tibor Kolozsi.

Matthias Corvinus Monument with a bronze equestrian statue and smaller bronze figures in front of a historic church
The Matthias Corvinus Monument stands in a paved square, with a historic church behind it.
July 2014 © · CC BY-SA 3.0 ro
Matthias Corvinus Monument bronze equestrian statue on a white stone pedestal in a cobblestone square with historic buildings and pedestrians
The Matthias Corvinus Monument stands in a public square surrounded by historic buildings.
September 2014 © · CC BY-SA 3.0 ro
Matthias Corvinus Monument with a bronze equestrian statue and accompanying bronze figures in front of a stone church.
The Matthias Corvinus Monument stands in a paved square before St. Michael\'s Church in Kolozsvár.
February 2017 © Emőke Dénes · CC BY-SA 4.0
Matthias Corvinus Monument showing an equestrian statue with smaller figures at the base in a snowy setting.
The Matthias Corvinus Monument stands in a snowy square, with the equestrian statue and surrounding figures visible.
September 2012 © Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
Matthias Corvinus Monument showing an armored rider on horseback atop a castellated stone pedestal, with figures and banners at the base.
The Matthias Corvinus Monument with its equestrian statue and surrounding figures during a historic gathering.
1902 © Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Identification

TitleMatthias Corvinus Monument
Alternative namesMonumentul Matia Corvin; Mátyás király emlékmű; Monument to Matthias Corvinus
TypeEquestrian statue monument

Historical context

Historical contextCreated when Cluj was the capital of Transylvania and part of the Kingdom of Hungary within the Dual Monarchy

Creator

SculptorJános Fadrusz
Architect of the pedestalLajos Pákey
DesignerJános Fadrusz

Discovery and provenance

InitiationThe idea of erecting a statue dedicated to King Matthias, who was born in the city, arose and was approved by the city legislative council in 1882
Model approvedJános Fadrusz's model was adopted unanimously in 1894
AwardFirst prize at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition
FundingFinanced by public subscription
TransportThe bronze statues were transported by train from Budapest before the inauguration
CastingCast in bronze in the ore foundry

Physical characteristics

Pedestal inscriptionsMátyás Király at inauguration; Mathias Rex (Latin) currently
FiguresPál Kinizsi; Balázs Magyar; István Szapolyai; István Báthory
PedestalRepresents a bastion of the city's fortified wall, as shown on the city's coat of arms
ComponentsEquestrian statue of Matthias Corvinus with four surrounding sculptures

Materials

MaterialBronze

Appearance

Depicted figureMatthias Corvinus, King of Hungary (1458–1490)
Accompanying figuresFour generals and high officers of the Crown surrounding Matthias Corvinus

Location and ownership

LocationPiața Unirii (Unirii Square), Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Heritage statusListed as a historical monument in Romania (CJ-III-m-A-07819)

History and restoration

Inauguration date12 October 1902
RestorationRestored in 2010–2011 under the direction of Tibor Kolozsi
Inscription changeChanged after World War I when Transylvania passed from Hungary to Romania
Honorary recognition for sculptorReceived a doctorate honoris causa from the universities of Cluj and was made an honorary citizen in November 1902

Significance

Awarded model at exhibitionThe plaster model received the Grand Prix at the Paris World Exhibition
Symbolic significanceOne of the symbols of Cluj-Napoca; became emblematic of the city over time
Literary referenceMentioned in Gib I. Mihăescu's novel La Femme chocolat, where it symbolizes wandering and the fantasies of the main character, Lucian Negrișor