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11. Sculpture in the Matthias-Era

The foremost artist working in Hungary at that time was undoubtedly Matthias’ court sculptor, the Dalmatian-born Giovanni Dalmata. His reputation as co-sculptor of Pope Paul II’s tomb in the Vatican prompted an invitation from Matthias to carve the royal tomb in Székesfehérvár, although it is not certain whether the Székesfehérvár tomb was actually made. One of his works, however, the marble “Diósgyőr Madonna” altar, has survived. Also usually attributed to him is the Hercules Fountain in Visegrád, fragments of which have been found in archaeological excavations.

The other major artist was the “Master of the Marble Madonnas”, who has recently been identified through archive documents as Gregorio di Lorenzo of Florence. He came to Hungary in 1475, having been referred by the courts of Naples and Ferrara, particularly Beatrix’ sister. Apart from small fragments, only one of his principal works survives, the “Visegrád Madonna Relief”, made for the chapel of the royal palace in Visegrád, although its exact location is unknown. The Nagyvázsony cherub head, also of very high standard, has recently been re-attributed, and is now considered to be the work of an unknown Tuscan artist.