ENGEL, JÓZSEF

ENGEL, JÓZSEF (1815–1901), Hungarian sculptor, born at Sátoraljaujhely, Hungary. Intended for the rabbinate, he was sent to study at the yeshivah of moses sofer at Pressburg. While still studying, Engel began to practice sculpture, and his father asked the rabbi whether this was permissible according to rabbinic law. On his receiving a negative reply, Engel was forced to stop. When his father died, however, Engel left for Vienna and became apprentice to a wood-carver. In 1840 he moved to England, where he made his name and executed busts of Queen Victoria and of Prince Albert, who commissioned several works from him. He also executed a bust of sir david salomons , the first Jewish lord mayor of London. In 1847 he went to Rome, remaining there for nearly 20 years before returning to Hungary. -BIBLIOGRAPHY: Roth, Art, 868.