University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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THE UNGARIAN ROOiVI 20

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Full of rich burgher gusto, the atmosphere of this room tells of German love for the good life and knowledge. The genius of the German mind is brought out by the many great names carved in a band about the room. Furnishings of the room are made up of the materials and spirit of the German Renaissance in the sixteenth century when German craftsmanship in architecture and woodcarving were beautifully distinctive. Many features of the classroom were inspired by the great hall at the University of Heidelberg, oldest German seat of higher education. Walnut paneling in walls and ceiling contrast with the oak flooring. Window-seats, student armchairs and the doors with columns decorated in stenciled arabesques arc also of walnut. Exquisite stained-glass windows picture the world-famous Grimm fairy tales with iridescent colors, while darkening the room with medieval poignancy that contrasts with the somber setting. Rear picture-panels are made of careful wood inlay. They picture the pursued Heiden-Roslein, heroine of Heine’s love poem, and the golden-haired siren Lorelei, enchantress of the Rhine. The imposing bookcase contains a collection of German books on literature and other subjects donated by the German Ministry of Education. The quotation from Goethe in the shield characterizes German strength. Translated, it reads: “Great mastery results from wise restraint, and law alone points out the way to liberty!” 9

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A people of brilliant imagination and sincere faith, the Hungarians have made their room a practical place for creative thought. Its great simplicity, accented by an ornamental beauty, is symbolic of the traits of the legendary descendants of Nimrod, the Persian hunter. Completely paneled walls are stained to a rich tobacco brown. The woods are matched in symmetrical patterns, highlighting an effect of massiveness and warm restraint. The vivid contrasting ceiling is a frame of seventy squares painted in gay folk motifs. Done in Budapest, they capture the beauty of life treasured in the homes of Hungarian peasants. A frieze contains two stanzas of Hymn us, the national anthem. Stern words describe the Magyar: “Fate, of old, has rent him sore; may it now bring healing! Bv-gone sins are all atoned, ev’n the future sealing.” Strength of purpose is an unshakable part of his ultimate destiny. The Hungarian Room is a memorial to his distinctive genius. The door is a superb piece of woodcarving. Panels of tulips and pomegranate leaves alternating with wheat-sheaves give intense vitality to the room. Floor squares illustrate a skill at contrasting decorated with simple construction materials. The lectern is dramatically modern in its severe lines. Mementos in the tulip chest-cabinet and the carved arms of the famous University of Buda surmounting the blackboard remind all of the Magyar’s love of learning. 21