Martin Benka (1888–1971) was a prominent Slovak painter, graphic artist, illustrator, art teacher, Esperantist, and founder of modern Slovak expression in painting and drawing. He was also engaged with tapestry, stage design, music, violin making, book design, and typography.  

The artist's statue, together with a nearby fountain, artistically completes the area of M. Benka Square. The work stands on a tall stone pedestal that bears his name and dates of birth and death, and is set in front of a tall pillar covered with ceramic tiles. It was designed by Ladislav Snopek. 

The larger-than-life-size statue depicts Benka in the process of creation, and was designed to be viewed from the front. The artist is depicted standing in a work coat with hands at chest level holding a painter's palette and brush.  

Snopek employed a conventional realistic depiction of the artist, enhanced by traditional material – bronze. 

The statue was originally sited at the centre of the space, a grassed area left after demolition of older buildings between Krížna and Záhradnícka streets – a space that was named after Martin Benka, but which could not be considered a square. It was not until the late 1990s that a project for a multifunctional building and square was launched, revitalising this long-neglected area. As part of the square's design, the Martin Benka monument was moved closer to the façade of the multifunctional building, thereby providing a more suitable distance for viewing the work from the front. The conventionally designed statue was further enhanced by the addition of a fountain and relaxation area in its foreground.   

ZZ, ZD

Research status as of 30. 06. 2023.