Viktor de Jeney

Viktor De Jeney, (b. Budapest, Hungary, January, 1902; d. St. Louis, Missouri, 1996), was a Hungarian painter.

Biography

De Jeney was a Hungarian artist who came to the United States after fleeing Hungary for his role in a Hungarian anti-communist uprising. On October 23, 1956, De Jeney, then 53, was part of a small group who tried to topple a 25-foot statue of Stalin in Budapest's Stalin Square. The uprising was halted at that time by Russian tanks.

De Jeney moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in part due to his passion for fishing and outdoor activities. He was a highly regarded portrait painter and was also known for creating replicas of famous oil paintings that rivaled the originals. In 1976, De Jeney moved to Washington D.C., after receiving a special honor to create commissioned copies of historical paintings. He also created a renowned etching of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.

De Jeney died in a house fire in 1996 while making violins, a trade he took up in his 90s.

Works

An unknown number of De Jeney originals and replicas remain in circulation, mostly in the USA and Europe. De Jeney was know mostly for oil on canvas and his replicas of other paintings are most frequently found to be remarkably similar to those of Rembrandt. De Jeney's respect among the art community has continued to grow significantly since his death. Like many top artists, his fame in the art community appears to have come well after his passing.

Notable Works

Four of De Jeney's original oil paintings have received significant interest in the art community and recently sold for significant sums.

# Haystacks in Winter 1971 63.5x46.7 Oil/canvas

# Old Native American Figure in Southwest Landscape 1967 101.6x76.2 Oil/canvas

# Seated Native American Figure 1967 76.2x61.0 Oil/canvas

# Profile of a young native American Girl in Straw Hat