Barbara Czapolai, a former model and television presenter, has officially transitioned from a behind-the-scenes partner to a visible co-owner of the Einspach Fine Art and Photography gallery in Budapest. According to Czapolai, her decision to place her name on the gallery’s copper sign in 2024 marks a shift toward public recognition of her role in the business, which she co-founded with art dealer Gábor Einspach following his recovery from pancreatic cancer.
The Evolution of the Einspach-Czapolai Partnership
The gallery, located in the vicinity of the Batthyány Eternal Flame, is situated in a building that holds personal history for Czapolai. It is the same house where she grew up and where her parents purchased property in the late 1990s. The site originally housed an old watchmaker’s shop before the Czapolai family acquired the space to prevent it from being converted into a restaurant.
Following Gábor Einspach’s recovery in 2019, the pair began collaborating on the new gallery venture. While Einspach brought his expertise as an art dealer, Czapolai contributed the location and a refined aesthetic honed through decades of living in Vienna and engaging with international art markets. Zolnay Judit, a former business consultant and current state secretary at the Ministry for National Economy, noted that while the partnership was always a collaborative effort, it took years for Czapolai to be recognized as a full-fledged owner rather than a silent partner. “It wasn’t about adding a name later, but about making the work and presence visible that had been there all along,” Judit stated.
Did you know?
Barbara Czapolai’s connection to Hungarian literature is storied; as a young girl, she was a neighbor and muse to the acclaimed writer Iván Mándy, who even featured her in his short story collection Huzatban.
Curating a Global Standard in Budapest
The gallery’s operations reflect a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between Hungarian contemporary art and international standards. The space features design elements from Josef Hoffmann and Marcel Breuer, creating an environment that Czapolai notes could just as easily exist in Paris or London. According to the founders, the gallery maintains a rigorous selection process, avoiding purely commercial, populist works in favor of significant contemporary creators.
The gallery’s portfolio includes high-profile figures such as István Nádler, László Fehér, and Tamás Dezső. Their reach extends beyond Hungary, with regular appearances at the Paris Photo and Frieze Masters in London. In May, the gallery received the grand prize in the ’68 Forward’ section at Art Brussels for an exhibition featuring artist Orshi Drozdik.
Balancing Business and Personal Life
Managing the gallery requires a high-tempo, two-city lifestyle. Czapolai and Einspach commute between Vienna and Budapest, a rhythm they have maintained for years. Despite the demands of the art market, the couple prioritizes a sustainable pace, especially given Einspach’s health history. Over the past five years, the gallery has organized nearly one hundred exhibitions, a testament to their commitment to active curation.
Czapolai also emphasizes the importance of maintaining cultural ties for her three children, Coco, who is a professional actress, and her two sons. Despite growing up outside of Hungary, all three speak fluent Hungarian, a point of pride for Czapolai, who managed this despite her husband not speaking the language. Her son, Péter, recently took on a leadership role at the Hungarian subsidiary of his father’s company, Alukönigstahl.
Pro Tip:
When building an art collection, focus on pieces that align with your personal aesthetic and living space. Czapolai attributes her success in the art market to her “long-term habit” of living with works by artists like Róbert Berény and Dezső Korniss, which helped train her eye over three decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the Einspach Fine Art and Photography gallery?
The gallery focuses on significant contemporary Hungarian artists, avoiding purely commercial art to prioritize works of high artistic merit, as stated by Barbara Czapolai.
Where is the gallery located?
The gallery is located in a historic building near the Batthyány Eternal Flame in Budapest, in a space previously owned by the Czapolai family.
How does the gallery maintain its international presence?
The gallery regularly participates in major international art fairs, including Paris Photo and Frieze Masters in London, and works with globally recognized artists such as Orshi Drozdik.
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