Nicholas Hornyansky (February 21, 1896-May 25, 1965), born in Budapest, Hungary, began his artistic journey at a young age, working as a colour mixer in his father's printing works from the age of twelve. His early talent blossomed, leading him to exhibit at the Grand Salon in Budapest at just sixteen years old. He also exhibited in Antwerp and Brussels.
Nicholas Hornyansky; Guelph in Summer
Seeking further artistic development, he pursued studies at the Academy of Fine Arts and continued his postgraduate education in Vienna, Munich, Antwerp, and Paris, solidifying his skills as a landscape painter, portrait artist, and engraver. During this time, he collaborated with renowned painter Hans Hens in Belgium. In 1928, he travelled to England where he painted portraits, including those of Lord Newton in London and the Baroness Miriam Rothschild at Trink Castle. He then went to Paris where he to study colour aquatint printmaking and etching.
Nicholas Hornyansky; Bridal Veil, Ball's Falls
In 1927, Hornyansky married Joyce Sands, a distinguished cellist, and together they embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to Toronto in 1929. Despite the challenges posed by the Great Depression, the couple found success, with Hornyansky traveling extensively across Canada, creating intricate pencil and ink drawings that served as the basis for his acclaimed etchings and aquatints. His artistic versatility extended to watercolour, ink, and gouache, capturing the essence of Canadian landscapes and architectural landmarks in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.
Nicholas Hornyansky; Victoria College in Spring, Toronto
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Hornyansky's work gained widespread recognition, with his participation in the Spring Salons of the Art Association of Montreal and regular exhibitions in Toronto, major American cities, and Europe. His engraving "Closing Time" made history as the first Canadian engraving to join the permanent collection of prints at the Library of Congress in the United States.
An esteemed member of artistic societies such as the Royal Canadian Academy, the Ontario Society of Artists, and the Society of Canadian Etchers & Engravers, Hornyansky made significant contributions to the world of art as both an artist and educator. He taught metal plate media at the Ontario College of Art from 1945 to 1958, leaving a lasting impact on aspiring artists. He established himself as the most renowned aquatint artist in Canadian art history.
Nicholas Hornyansky; Trinity College, Toronto
Hornyansky's artistic career culminated in his passing on May 25, 1965, in Toronto. His legacy endures through his extensive body of work, with a retrospective held at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in 1978. As a Life Fellow of the International Institute of Arts and Letters and a member of esteemed artistic societies, Hornyansky's influence on Canadian art history remains profound, his contributions celebrated in galleries and institutions worldwide.