Jozef Maximilian Petzval, born in Spisska Bela in 1807, is considered by many to be the founder of modern photography.
Having spent his early years studying in Levoca and Kosice, Petzval joined the University of Pest, at the age of 19, where he studied Mathematics and Philosophy. During this time, he enjoyed notable success, becoming an assistant at the University in 1835. This then led to a chair of Mathematics at the University of Vienna, two years later.
Petzval is most renowned for his work on optical lenses in the 1840's, which was instrumental in the construction of modern cameras. He is also remembered for greatly improving the telescope and designing the opera glass.
Andy Warhol | Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav | Master Pavol of Levoca | Jan Bahyl | Rev. Jozef Murgas | Stefan Banic | Wolfgang von Kempelen
Jozef Karol Hell | Jozef Maximilian Petzval | Alexander Dubcek | Andrej Hlinka | Milan Ratislav Stefanik | Ludovit Stur | Matus Cak
Prince Mojmir | Prince Pribina | Anton Bernolak | Cyril and Method | Juraj Janosik | Lubomir Moravcik | Jozo Raz