The house located at Krúdy Gyula utca 2, a small street of Józsefváros, boasts an exemplary piece of art nouveau architecture by Antal Hofhauser, completed in 1906-1907. François (Ferenc) Fiedler, a French painter of Hungarian descent, resided here from 1941 to 1945 before his move to Paris. Fiedler’s artistic journey began at a tender age, demonstrating remarkable talent by replicating works of Renaissance masters in his youth. Recognized for his prowess, he received commissions as a child and later caught the attention of prominent artists like István Szőnyi during his studies at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts.

Upon relocating to Paris in 1948 on an art scholarship, Fiedler quickly made his mark with his first solo exhibition at the Galerie du Haut-Pavé. It was in Paris that he encountered Joan Miró, who introduced him to influential figures in the art world, propelling Fiedler towards abstract art. Miró notably dubbed Fiedler “the painter of lights,” acknowledging his unique blend of technical skill and innovative spirit. Fiedler’s distinct style, characterized by a captivating interplay of light and shadow, flourished in Paris, leading to his recognition as one of the emerging talents of his time.

In the Parisian art scene, Fiedler’s work continued to evolve, marked by exhibitions alongside renowned artists like Giacometti and Kandinsky, solidifying his reputation as a significant figure in European contemporary art. You can have a look at some of his artworks on the website of the François Fiedler Foundation.