Magyar
BÉLA ALBERT PETRY
1902-1996
Béla Albert Petry, graphic artist, architect, professor of art and architecture, was born at Erzsébetfalva, Hungary, in 1902. He completed his education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest, Architectural Academy of Vienna, Academy of Fine Arts in Rome and at the Munich-Kunstakademie. During his life, he has undertaken many artistic activities. He taught art at the University of Debrecen, Hungary (1930-36), was an illustrator at the Hungarian Royal University Press, Budapest (1936-40), 1st Lieu tenant with the Royal Hungarian Military Engineer Corps (1940-45), portrait painter in Munich, Germany (1945-46), art and architect designer in Worchester and Boston, professor of architecture at the Boston Architect Center (1960-67), consultant engineer also in Boston. The 96 buildings in the USA, designed by Professor Petry, include churches, chapels, libraries, schools, banks and other commercial buildings. He also illustrated several books, the most en chanting being Hungarian Folk Tales (Astor Park, 1972). His thesis, Monumental Architecture – Mayas – Incas – Egyptians, (1960) also contains his illustrations. However, his never ending commitment to the small graphic art has to be emphasized. As a book plate designer he is well known and honored all over the world. He has been dedicated to this art form since the early 1920’s. Some of his bookplates 100 Exlibris by Petry (Atheneum, Budapest) were already published in 1929.
His bookplates are testimony to his faith, sensitivity, spirituality, humor, wide historical, cultural and artistic knowledge, but not least to his devotion to his Hungarian heritage. Many of these miniature master works are rooted deeply in Hungarian folk art, history and traditions. “Perfect knowledge of drawing characterizes his graphic art – human/animal anatomy; perspective and shadow construction; excellent line handling; in figures perfect movement; in faces eloquent expression; bold handling of likeness in portraits; experienced skill in handling all applied objects, to the smallest detail” – writes Prof. Alexander Book, art historian, about the work of Petry. This excellent artist is also poetically inclined, as the texts/poems, which are often an integral part of his designs are written by himself.
It also has to be mentioned, that prof. Petry drew all the used lettering by hand, and designed them in all historical styles to suit his illustrations.
Petry’s exlibris have been characterized best by Jose Vicente de Bragança: “…it is is a source of spiritual comfort to admire Petry’s book plates. They show strength, vitality, personality, and most of all they add evidence of a natural creative talent. … Furthermore, his creations do not betray the true spirit and purpose of the book -plate. Created to be stuck in a book denoting ownership and enriching it with a manifestation of art. … His creations are not hurried pieces destined to an anonymous owner whose name will be added after selection. On the very contrary, they are the happy wed ding be tween the owner’s ideas and the artist’s interpretation.”
The American Hungarian Museum was proud to be able to present, the masterful, classical graphic designs by professor Petry to all who love beauty in 1984, 1995 and 1996. Two years ago, at the age of 92 he sent us his last sad, but humorous greeting card. Since then he lost his eyesight and was not able to draw anymore. With the 1995 exhibit the Museum expressed its great respect, gratitude and love for the 93 year old Master. The Museum’s “tulip” logo was drawn by Professor Petry.
Professor Béla Petry passed away in November 1996. But his art and memory will always be with us.
Emese Kerkay
American Hungarian Museum, No. 35, 1996
