Hungary 2000 Forint 2015

History

2000 Forint 2015, KM# 890, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of Birth of István Csók

Obverse. Photo © Magyar Nemzeti Bank

Description

István Csók (1865–1961) was a renowned Hungarian painter and a two-time recipient of the Kossuth Prize.

Csók was born into a prosperous family with deep roots in craftsmanship. Despite his frail and sickly childhood, he was well cared for by those around him. He began his artistic studies in 1882 under notable artists such as Székely Bertalan and Károly Lotz in Budapest, and continued his education in Munich and Paris. Paris had a significant impact on him, exposing him to 19th-century realism and the Impressionist movement.

His early works, like "The Last Supper," earned him acclaim, winning gold medals in Paris and Vienna in 1894. He became known for his plein air interpretations of scenes, such as "Hay Gatherers," capturing the colorful folklore, vitality, and beauty of youth and health.

As a professor at the Nagybánya artists' colony, Csók played a crucial role in teaching the next generation of painters. He spent several summers with young artists there and was fondly remembered by his students for his warmth and helpfulness.

Engraver: Fritz Mihály

Obverse	Device and tools (watch, compass, telescope etc.) Paintbrush, Palette Person (actor, musician, painter etc.) István Csók Depicts a mirror-like self-portrait from István Csók's painting "Studio corner, painter and his model" ("Mütteremsarok, Festö és modellje", 1905). On the left side, in a raised strip emerging from the base plane, in four horizontal rows, the names "CSÓK," "ISTVÁN," and the birth and death years "1865" and "1961" are readable. At the bottom edge, the engraver's privy mark is placed. Between 1903 and 1910, István Csók lived in Paris. In 1905, he painted "Corner of the Studio," one of his earliest works created in the French capital. That same year, he exhibited at the Salon in Paris. Later, he showcased his work at the Hall of Art in Pest, where his painting was acquired by the state, earning him the Prize of the Casinos at Lipótváros. CSÓK ISTVÁN 1865 1961 fm
Reverse	Art (sculpture, painting etc.) Painting People (man, woman, child etc.) Woman Depicts a detail of the painting "The awakening of Spring" ("A tavasz ébredése", 1900) by István Csók. On the right, at the top, in three horizontal rows, the denomination, "FORINT," and "HUNGARY" inscriptions are visible. At the bottom right, in two horizontal rows, the year of issue "2015" and the mint mark "BP" are placed. 2000 FORINT MAGYARORSZÁG 2015 BP.
Edge	Reeded (milled)