The painter P. M. Bohúň (1822–1979) belonged among the "third revivalist generation", a group associated with the activities of Štúr's circle. Within his work, Bohúň depicted scenes from the revivalist movement, but also focused on figurative art and portraits. Among his most famous works are a portrayal of Ján Francisci as captain of the Slovak volunteers (see webumenia.sk) and numerous period portraits of members of prominent Slovak families. Less frequently, he painted landscapes, sacred themes, church murals, and folk costumes. He also worked as a teacher and photographer.  

The P. M. Bohúň monument comprises a three-quarter-length travertine figure set on a two-part granite pedestal. The painter, depicted in period clothing, has a dynamic, slightly turned posture and a determined expression that evokes some of his revivalist paintings. Beside his left leg are the symbolic attributes of an artist – a palette, brush, and laurel wreath.  

The statue’s granite pedestal is smoothly finished and divided into vertical sections. The base is wide and slightly tapered, while the upper section is shaped as a slender quadrangular pillar. The somewhat disproportionate inscription P.M.BOHÚŇ, without spaces, is embossed on the front of the pillar, and on top is a softly shaped "cushion" of roughly hewn stone from which the statue rises. 

In 1958, the monument was set on the Danube embankment such that its backdrop comprised the former Water Barracks, which had recently become the seat of the Slovak National Gallery. This symbolic background was preserved, albeit in a modified form, even after the famous SNG Bridge by the architect Vladimír Dedeček was added in the 1970s. Facing the Danube, the work is embedded in a square plateau of large tiles and has barrier-free access from the promenade. The surrounding area features well-maintained urban greenery and several rare old conifers. 

ZD

Research status as of  30. 07. 2023.