Nikolaus Paul Esterházy

Nikolaus Paul Esterházy

An artist who embodies the connection between aristocratic heritage and contemporary artistic spirit through his life and work. Nikolau Paul Esterházy, whose full name: Maria Nikolaus Paul Maurice Louis George Konstantin Ernest Antony Ignacius Count Esterházy of Galanta and Frakno, is not only an artist, but also a writer, heraldist, restorer, and curator of family collections and archives. In 2024, he ended his long-term work at a Slovak museum institution and decided to break away from his demanding work responsibilities and return to his primary medium—painting. This step is not only a practical departure, but also a symbolic break from the institutional structures that limited his creative freedom. Until then, he had worked exclusively for private collectors, museums, and aristocratic families in Europe.

Family roots and personal philosophy

He was born in 1985 in socialist Czechoslovakia, but grew up in an environment where history and art intersect at every turn. His first name, Nikolaus–Mikuláš, has a long tradition in his family and symbolizes "helping others." This value has accompanied him throughout his life – from volunteer work in non-profit organizations to participation in charity auctions. He has donated many of his paintings to support disadvantaged families and children with disabilities.

Artistic style and inspiration

He transforms historical motifs into a modern form of antique pop art, while maintaining precise technical skill and attention to detail. His paintings are characterized by the following:

• Logical structure – a well-thought-out and organized composition that guides the viewer through the story of the image.
• An elegant color palette – often uses colors that evoke an aristocratic atmosphere.
• Psychological dimension – the characters carry a strong inner emotional charge.

Future and further plans

Nikolaus plans to expand his activities beyond Europe. He is preparing a series of exhibitions in Asia, where he wants to present European ancient civilization in the context of local art movements. Among other things, he is working on a publication that will combine his artwork with historical essays on ancient Rome and Greece. The project is intended to serve as a bridge between academic research and popular culture.

The conclusion

Nikolaus Paul Esterházy not only revives aristocratic heritage in the contemporary art world, but also actively contributes to the preservation and revitalization of cultural and historical legacy. His works, which combine precise technique, historical depth, and philanthropic intent, represent a significant contribution to the Central European and international art scene and show how tradition can inspire modern creative projects.

Matúš Zelieska, curator

In the media

plzen.cz
regiotv1.cz
seredske novinky

~ Events and invitations ~

Výstava výtvarník Nikolaus Paul Esterházy
Výstava výtvarník Nikolaus Paul Esterházy
Výstava výtvarník Nikolaus Paul Esterházy
Výstava výtvarník Nikolaus Paul Esterházy
Výstava výtvarník Nikolaus Paul Esterházy
Výstava výtvarník Nikolaus Paul Esterházy

~ History of the Esterházy family ~

The Esterházy family belongs to the ancient Hungarian nobility, known since the 12th century. The oldest historically proven ancestor was Mocud Magister Comes de Genere Salamon et Watha in 1186. He was the owner of a settlement called Watha (today's Zlaté Klasy). His descendant, Benedikt de Eesterháza, married into the Galanta estate in 1421. Galanta thus became the seat of the Esterházy family, and all his descendants began to use "de Galantha" as their noble predicate. The important palatine Mikuláš Gróf Esterházy also came from Galanta. He was greatly influenced by his uncle, palatine Štefan I. Gróf Illésházy de Illésháza, who as palatine was the direct representative of the King of Hungary. In 1601, the family acquired the Strečno estate, in 1614 the Zvolen and Dobrá Niva estates, and in 1626 Bytča with parts of the Orava and Lietava estates. In 1642, the Esterházy family acquired Šintava and Bernolákovo, in 1675 the castle estate of Levice, in 1690 Vígľaš and other properties and property shares in the territory of present-day Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. In 1626, Count Mikuláš Esterházy acquired a hereditary count title for his descendants. The family always leaned toward piety; several members of the family became Catholic clergymen and religious writers. In particular, Imrich Gróf Esterházy, Archbishop of Esztergom and Primate of Hungary, who crowned Maria Theresa as Queen of Hungary in Bratislava, then the capital of Hungary. As Grand Master of the Order of St. Paul the Hermit and Archbishop of Esztergom, he built around 70 new churches in the Hungarian archdiocese. He himself donated more than 2 million gold coins for religious and cultural purposes. In the past, the family had successful and unsuccessful periods, good times and bad times. The willingness not to give up their convictions is characteristic of the Esterházys; the family motto is: "DUM SPIRO SPERO" (while I breathe, I hope). The members of the Esterházy family proved their courage by participating in battles when the Ottoman Turks repeatedly invaded their Hungarian homeland. They fought as defenders during the siege of Vienna and the liberation of Buda. During the Austro-French War in 1809, Napoleon I offered the Kingdom of Hungary independence after the planned division of the Austrian Empire and offered the Hungarian crown to Duke Anton Esterházy. Later, he also offered the crown to Duke Miklós Esterházy, but he did not accept the offer either. The Esterházy family always remained loyal to the King of Hungary, even though part of the nobility sympathized with Napoleon. The Esterházys were Hungarian palatines, marshals, Croatian bans, royal advisors, politicians, diplomats, bishops of Jager and Esztergom, and talented artists.

Book source: Mikuláš Esterházy a jeho dvor. autor: Diana Duchoňová, 2017, Historický ústav SAV, ISBN 978-80-224-1606-1
Other sources: Archive of Count Esterházy

~ The Collections of Count Esterházy ~

The Esterházy Count's collection represents an exceptional selection of artistic and historical artifacts, which our family preserves and develops with great care. The administrator of the family collections ensures the professional conservation and restoration of each exhibit. He actively seeks out and acquires valuable artifacts, ensuring their safe storage and protection. He creates detailed records and a catalog of the collection items. If you are interested in contributing to our family collection, simply write to us at: info@esterhazy.sk

Hrad Frakno

What can you find in our collection?

  • Paintings – from classic portraits to works by important European painters.
  • Clocks and furniture – unique pieces that combine artistic value with historical context.
  • Cold weapons and jewelry – exclusive items that reveal technical and aesthetic innovations from past centuries.
  • Numismatics – a rich collection of coins and medals documenting the economic and political history of monarchies.
  • Graphic sheets and painted coats of arms of the Hungarian aristocracy – the most extensive and complete collection of its kind, providing a unique insight into the heraldry and visual culture of Hungary.

If you are interested in organizing an exhibition on the theme of the Esterházy family, or would like to learn more about our exhibits, the family collection manager will be happy to provide you with detailed information and arrange an individual appointment. Simply send an email to: info@esterhazy.sk

~ Archive of Count Esterházy ~

The Count Esterházy Archive and Hungarian Heraldic Register is a private archive that manages several archival fonds and collections. In addition to preserving historical documents, it plays an important role in cultural and educational activities: it supports research, education, and the popularization of family history. The aim of the archive is not only to preserve the past, but also to ensure its accessibility for future generations. If you are interested in contributing to our family archive, simply write to us at: archiv@esterhazy.sk

Archiv Esterházy
  • Acquisition and protection of archival documents.
  • Records of archival heritage.
  • Digitization of documents.
  • Care of the book collection.

Comprehensive care for historical materials and the cultural heritage of our Esterházy family. The archive administrator carefully collects and ensures the authenticity of all historical records, as well as creating a clear and systematic record of all funds and collections. He transforms paper materials into digital form, thus ensuring protection against physical wear and tear. He maintains and conserves books, manuscripts, and other printed sources that form an integral part of the family's cultural heritage.

Nikolaus Paul Esterhazy

Office of Count Esterházy.
office@esterhazy.sk

Collections of Count Esterházy

Information about paintings and exhibitions.
info@esterhazy.sk

Archive of Count Esterházy

Information from the
archive and heraldic register.
archiv@esterhazy.sk