Pál Beregszászi (1790–1865)

Professor of drawing and architecture

Pál Beregszászi’s gift for drawing and architecture already manifested itself during his grammar school years. His career choice was guided by his talent, as he enrolled in the Royal University of Pest. During his time in Pest, alongside his studies in engineering he improved his graphic skills and trained as a plate engraver under the mentorship of Ferenc Karacs. In Karacs’ studio this ex-student of the College encountered the prominent thinkers of the Reform Era, whose classical erudition enraptured Beregszászi.

The love of antique culture defined both his work as a teacher and his artistic vision. In 1819 he was appointed teacher of the School of Drawing. In his position there he fought for the recognition of drawing studies and against the indifference of both apprentices and masters. He did his best to ensure that students graduating from the school knew the specific strain of drawing necessary for their chosen trade. He published his teachings in the first Hungarian-language book on architecture, which experts read with keen interest and acknowledgment nationwide. The work primarily supplied would-be masons, carpenters and builders with practical knowledge, but a few volumes were devoted to the technique of freehand drawing and perspective, too. The writings in this guide canonise the tireless Beregszászi as one of the Hungarian pioneers and champions of the art of drawing.