Hungarian art historian Gergely Barki spent many years searching for missing works by famous artists. However, his most unexpected discovery was that the painting that he had dreamed of bringing back to light for so long was discovered in a completely unexpected place - in a children's film that seemed to have nothing to do with art.

Mysterious Return: Missing Painting Found in an Unexpected Place

 

In 2009, on the eve of Christmas, Gergely Barki, a researcher at the National Gallery in Budapest, sat down with his daughter to watch the modern fairy tale "Stuart Little," produced a decade earlier in 1999. As he worked on a book "About The Hungarian modernist artist Robert Bereny", Barki was unexpectedly stunned to spot his painting, known to him only through a faded black and white photograph, titled "Sleeping Woman with a Black Vase," featured in the film. The painting appeared on screen multiple times, leaving Barki confident that his discovery was real. However, the happy conclusion to this art history tale would not arrive swiftly.

Above the crackling fireplace in the cozy home of a dignified family, a peculiar scene unfolded – a son frolicking alongside an animated mouse, immortalized in a painting that bridged the realms of reality and imagination. This unique blend of live-action and animation was the brainchild of a film project, adding layers of charm to the picturesque tableau.

The journey of this painting, however, took unexpected turns, beginning with its humble origins in an antique store nestled in Pasadena, California. Lisa S, with an eye for elegance, stumbled upon this hidden gem priced at a mere $500, a steal for its cinematic potential. Little did she know the storm that would ensue.

Enter Barki, the relentless art critic, who embarked on a mission to uncover the painting's whereabouts. His pursuit took the form of a barrage of emails, turning the film crew's tranquil routine into a frenzy. Gergely Barki says that even while watching children's films he cannot distract himself from thoughts about work: this is how workaholism helped him make a discovery.

 

It was Lisa S who eventually became the unwitting target of his investigation, as the painting had found a new home above her own bed.

Enchanted by its allure, Lisa couldn't resist the painting's siren call and decided to make it her own, unaware of its true value. Barki's persistence led him to her doorstep, where he authenticated the painting's attribution. However, fate had other plans, as Lisa reluctantly parted ways with her newfound treasure, selling it to a discreet collector. 

Berenyi's masterpiece, "Sleeping Woman," embarks on a journey back to its roots. On a fateful December 13th, the painting found itself on the auction block in Budapest, Hungary, surrounded by eager bidders. What began as a $500 purchase culminated in a staggering finale, with the final bid soaring to a remarkable 229.5 thousand euros, marking a triumphant return to its homeland.

Hidden in art history, "Sleeping Woman with a Black Vase" lay dormant, known only through the faded echoes of an old photograph archived in the Hungarian National Gallery. Barki, a fervent admirer of the arts, could only dream of beholding the original masterpiece. The ravages of the Second World War had left a bitter legacy, with countless works of art vanishing into the abyss of history. To compound the tragedy, Robert Berenya, the maestro behind the brush, faced a personal inferno as his studio and the fruits of his labor were consumed by flames.

Yet, fate, with its capricious hand, chose to rewrite the narrative. The news of the painting's miraculous discovery and its imminent return to its Hungarian homeland ignited a fervor among art aficionados. Like moths drawn to a flame, they clamored to immerse themselves in the enigmatic world of Robert Berenya, eager to unlock the secrets veiled within his brushstrokes.

Robert Bereny, "Still Life with a Cat"

 

Robert Berény, a luminary of the Hungarian art scene, carved his legacy from the tumultuous canvas of the early 20th century. Born in 1887 and departing this world in 1953, he left an indelible mark as a founding member of the avant-garde collective known as "The Eight." Not to be confused with their American counterparts, this group of Hungarian modernists blazed a trail of innovation and experimentation.

Berény's artistic odyssey bore witness to a kaleidoscope of influences, from the gentle contours of Cézanne to the vibrant palette of Matisse. Like a chameleon of the canvas, he dabbled in cubism, fauvism, and expressionism, each brushstroke a testament to his restless spirit.

Post-war upheavals found Berény imparting his wisdom to eager minds at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, shaping the next generation of artistic visionaries. His oeuvre spanned the vast expanse of human experience, from tranquil landscapes to vibrant still lifes. Yet, it was in the late twenties that he embarked on a mesmerizing exploration of feminine beauty, capturing moments of idleness and contemplation with an ethereal grace.

Among his muses stood the enigmatic lady with a vase, a timeless embodiment of serenity and elegance. Little did Berény know that her allure would transcend the confines of his canvas, gracing the silver screen in a cinematic masterpiece that breathed new life into his artistic vision.

 

Robert Bereny himself had something to do with cinema: while living in Berlin, he had an affair with actress Marlene Dietrich. And the film “Stuart Little” is related to fine art - albeit high-tech: it was nominated for an Oscar for visual effects. The father of the family is played by Hugh Laurie (Dr. House from the series of the same name), and the screenwriters include M. Night Shyamalan, the author of The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable. If you, like the art critic Barki, have delayed viewing, do not hesitate: we do not promise that there is still material left for scientific sensations, but pleasure is guaranteed - including from contemplating the elegant interior with modernist paintings.

 

As a result, the story of art critic Gergely Barki from Hungary, who discovered a missing painting in a children's film, became not only a phenomenon in the art world, but also a striking example of how unexpected circumstances can lead to amazing discoveries. His diligence, patience and love of art allowed him to solve this mystery, demonstrating that sources of inspiration and knowledge can be found in the most unexpected places. This is a story that reminds us of the importance of open-mindedness and flexible thinking in the search for new knowledge and sources of inspiration.

Our catalog presents paintings of various genres and eras, from classical masters to contemporary artists. You will find works of a variety of styles and themes, from realism to abstraction, allowing everyone to find something to suit their tastes and preferences.

In addition, we have a talented artist, Likhina, who specializes in depicting characters and scenes from films. Her works attract attention with their original style and embodiment of familiar images on canvas, which makes them an excellent addition to the collections of film connoisseurs and fans of cult films.