Mihály Munkácsy is the most well known artist in Hungarian history of art both at home as well as abroad. His reputation was based on his unprecedented international success and his near-romantic biography. The poor, orphaned joiner's assistant, became the prince of art in Paris when made a Chevalier of Legion of Honour and then received a title of nobility from the king. He always happily went to his homeland, where already in his lifetime he achieved a cult-like status, and even in Paris he remained just simple Miska. This influence still lives on today, the art of Munkácsy, the Munkácsy-phenomenon is still very much part of current art historical discourse.

In 1873, five of Munkácsy’s works were exhibited at the World Expo of Vienna. In the fall of that year, at the invitation of his friend László Paál, Munkácsy travelled to Barbizon, famous for its colony of artists. Here he painted the Woman carrying faggots which reflects, in its lyrical realism and intimate view of nature, the influence of the great master and greatest artist of the colony, Jean-François Millet.

(source: wikipedia)