GÉZA FARAGÓ (1877-1928) TUNGSRAM. 1913. 40 1/2x36 3/8 inches. Condition B+: restoration along vertical and horizontal folds. Faragó had international artistic training and exposure to many different forms of Art Nouveau design. He studied art in Paris, where he was a pupil of Mucha and a student at the Académie Colarossi. Upon his return to Hungary he studied under two important Hungarian painters, Adolf Fényes and Béla Iványi Grünwald. His style reflects elements of the finest French Art Nouveau as well as the minimal geometrical ornamentation of the Secession. This poster, advertising Tungsram lightbulbs, is a subtle yet triumphant allegory of light over darkness and can be considered his masterpiece. At least one other text variant exists. Standing on the banks of what is likely the Danube, an elegant woman is staring up at the full moon that illuminates the entire scene. In a clever game of light and dark, she is wearing a wide brimmed hat that casts a shadow over her eyes, and she is shielding her eyes, again, with her hand, against the "glare." The implication that Tungsram light bulbs can expel the darkness is palpable. In addition, the endearing representation of night, a black cat, is staring up at the night sky, with her nose slightly illuminated from the glow. Farago 24.
