Iosif Mathe was a Romanian sculptor who was trained in the workshop of a local artist in Oradea from 1929-33. His first exhibitions were held in 1939 and 1942 in the Official Salons in București and Budapest. Mathe was particularly active in the 1950s. His works are kindly described as “thematic compositions in the spirit of the times”. The bust of the poet Endre Ady (1877-1919) from 1953, located in București’s Herastrau Park, is considered to be his most famous work. Other sculptures by the artist are in the National Art Museum of Romania. During the communist period, Mathe was an advisor to the National Council of the Socialist United Front.
Romania