The funerary monument of Kherndl Antal preserves not only the memory of an outstanding engineer, but also commemorates the history of Hungarian engineering science and bridge construction.
The funerary monument of Kherndl Antal in Farkasréti Cemetery in Budapest was made by Bory Jenő in 1929. The memorial’s architectural design was realised from plans by Gyula Wälder, while the stone-carving work was carried out by Gyula Král. The funerary monument was unveiled on 3 November 1929.
Kherndl Antal (1842–1919), engineer, professor at the Technical University and academician, was one of the most important figures in Hungarian bridge construction and structural mechanics. After studying at the Zurich Polytechnic, he taught at the Technical University, where he became a defining professor in the teaching of waterways, railway and bridge construction. His scholarly work was pioneering particularly in the study of statically indeterminate structures and graphic statics. He was also responsible for developing the structural system of the original Elizabeth Bridge. Opened in 1903, the bridge was at the time the world’s largest chain bridge without river piers, and demonstrated the international standing of Hungarian engineering knowledge. His scientific achievements were recognised with numerous distinctions, including the Marczibányi Prize, the gold medal of the Hungarian Association of Engineers and Architects, and the Grand Prize of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
The central feature of the funerary monument is Bory Jenő’s marble portrait relief, measuring 64 × 80 centimetres, which depicts the elderly professor. The relief is set within an architectural frame of limestone 250 centimetres high, giving the memorial an appearance at once monumental and restrained. The work is signed: “Bory J. 1929”.
The monument’s inscription aptly summarises Kherndl Antal’s life’s work and teaching legacy: “His life, his work and his noble spirit are an eternal example!” “Erected in grateful reverence by his pupils and colleagues.”