This stylish etching is by János Kass, an artist regarded as Hungary’s foremost graphic artist and book illustrator.

Born in Szeged, Hungary in 1927, Kass studied in Budapest and was then briefly an assistant professor of “Book-Art” in Leipzig, before returning to Budapest in the 1960s to teach graphic design and pursue many creative avenues.

Kass’ artistic abilities were incredibly versatile and besides designing film posters, a collection of stamps, exhibiting across Europe and illustrating around 400 books, he was also an animated film director and worked on one of the first fully digitalised computer-animated films ‘Dilemma’ in 1980.

This small etching titled ‘Budapest 1966’, is an example of Kass’ skill and eye for innovative design. Though taken from a small line drawing, it’s packed with stylish detailing. Just look at the chic figures in the foreground with their pared down figuratively sketched form.

Below the etching is a small inscription in pencil which reads “To […..] with very best wishes from János”. The recipient is unknown but the familiarity of signing off with only his first name suggests it’s someone he knew personally.

The etching is on paper and mounted onto another piece of paper. The frame is typically 1960s/1960s and likely been with the etching for much of its life.

The etching and the paper it’s mounted on as has some light foxing, small marks and light age related tanning of the paper.

Frame measures 40cm x 31.5cm

The engraving, not including the border measures 23.5cm x 12.5cm.