Alag
Artist
Ignac Konrad
(Hungarian, 1894 - 1969)
Date1939
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions100.4 x 150.3 cm
Credit LineThe Mendel Art Gallery Collection at Remai Modern. Gift of the Mendel family 1965.
Object number1965.4.2
Classificationspainting
Collections
On View
Not on viewThis painting depicts the training grounds for Fred Mendel’s racehorses at the famous Jockey Club at Alag near Budapest — the finest training centre in Hungary. From 1934 to 1939, the Mendel family made their home in Budapest, during which time his horses twice won the Hungarian Derby. In this early morning scene, Mr. Mendel is portrayed in formal dress before heading off to his thriving business. Beside him on the dappled grey horse is his trainer, Elemer von Jeszenszky.
Fred Mendel commissioned six paintings of his beloved horses from the highly accomplished artist, Ignac Konrad. During the German occupation of Hungary in 1944, Mendel relied on his Hungarian colleague, Paul Szasz, to keep the paintings safe from Nazi looters. The following year, Szasz was able to send the rolled paintings via an Allied officer to Mendel, who was visiting Paris. Fred Mendel considered this painting one of his prized possessions.
Fred Mendel commissioned six paintings of his beloved horses from the highly accomplished artist, Ignac Konrad. During the German occupation of Hungary in 1944, Mendel relied on his Hungarian colleague, Paul Szasz, to keep the paintings safe from Nazi looters. The following year, Szasz was able to send the rolled paintings via an Allied officer to Mendel, who was visiting Paris. Fred Mendel considered this painting one of his prized possessions.
