Description

Miklós Radnóti (born Miklós Glatter, also known as Radnói or Radnóczi; 1909–1944) was a distinguished Hungarian poet and a certified teacher proficient in Hungarian and French. Renowned for his commitment to pure literary forms and the rejuvenation of established genres, he stands out as a prominent figure in modern Hungarian lyrical poetry.

Radnóti's verse is characterized by its intense lyricism, profound emotional resonance, and deep-seated humanistic values. While initially influenced by French surrealism and Hungarian folk motifs, he ultimately crafted his own unique style, characterized by linguistic clarity and simplicity.

During World War II, Radnóti, owing to his Jewish heritage, was conscripted into forced labor by Hungarian authorities. Despite the peril, he persisted in writing poetry, bearing witness to the atrocities of the war and his own incarceration. Tragically, he met his demise at the hands of the Hungarian Arrow Cross militia in November 1944, nearing the war's end.

Posthumously, Radnóti's poetry garnered widespread acclaim for its enduring humanism and poignant depiction of the Holocaust ordeal. His comprehensive body of work, including his wartime compositions, has been translated into numerous languages and continues to captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Engraver: Gábor Gáti