University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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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

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THE UNGARIAN ROOiVI 20

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THE IiOLISH ROOM 22