Biai-Föglein, István (1905 - 1974)

Biography

István Biai-Föglein was born in 1905 in Besztercebánya (Slovakia). After finishing his studies at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts, he got a scholarship in France. He went on numerous educational trips to France, Italy (1934), and the Netherlands (1938). Between 1936 and 1937 he was a guest at the Szolnok Artists' Colony. In 1954 he illustrated Géza Gárdonyi's book, titled ”Stars of Eger”. From 1960, Biai-Föglein spent his summers in Kisoroszi (Central Hungary). He was in a very close friendship and working relationship with Lipót Herman.

During his early years in Paris, staying loyal to Vaszary, Biai-Föglein painted themes that were trendy among the painters of Ecole de Paris. His watercolors born at this time were created with a virtuosic technique, and carried characteristics inherited from Art Nouveau, such as decorativeness and a two-dimensional quality.

In his later paintings, most of which depicted interiours, he moved away from this method. However, his brilliant professional abilities are just as visible in these compositions. He usually painted the same room, which served as his home and studio at the same time.

From the 1950's, he also painted plen air landscapes. In his last years, Biai created etchings and reproduced graphics.