Artist
Philip Alexius de László
Philip Alexius de László prints bring the glamour of early twentieth-century high society into your home. De László was an Anglo-Hungarian portrait painter who painted popes, kings, queens, presidents and society beauties, and succeeded John Singer Sargent as the leading society portraitist of his day....Read more
Philip Alexius de László prints bring the glamour of early twentieth-century high society into your home. De László was an Anglo-Hungarian portrait painter who painted popes, kings, queens, presidents and society beauties, and succeeded John Singer Sargent as the leading society portraitist of his day. Our collection of fine art prints includes his portraits of women and children, statesmen and his own family.
About Philip Alexius de László
Philip de László was born Fülöp Laub in Pest, Budapest, on 30 April 1869, the eldest son of a Jewish tailor and seamstress; the family changed its name to László in 1891. Apprenticed to a photographer, he studied at the National Academy of Art in Budapest under Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz, and then in Munich and Paris.
His portrait of Pope Leo XIII won a Grand Gold Medal at the Paris Exhibition of 1900. That year he married Lucy Guinness, of the banking branch of the Guinness family, whom he had met in Munich in 1892; they had six children. He moved to Vienna in 1903 and to London in 1907, where he lived for the rest of his life while travelling the world for commissions.
Edward VII made him a Member of the Royal Victorian Order in 1909, and in 1912 Franz Joseph ennobled him, after which he used the name "de László". He became a British subject in 1914, yet was interned for more than a year in 1917–1918, accused of contact with the enemy, before being cleared in 1919. He died after a heart attack at his home in Hampstead, London, on 22 November 1937.
Style and Subjects
De László painted with quick, confident brushwork and a strong sense of character. Faces are carefully modelled and full of life, while clothes, jewels and backgrounds are suggested with broad, fluid strokes.
His portraits of women are glamorous and elegant, in silks, pearls and furs; his men are dignified and alert. He painted many royal sitters across Europe, as well as politicians, scholars and American industrialists.
Famous Works
- Portrait of Pope Leo XIII (1900), Vatican Museums. The portrait that won him a Grand Gold Medal in Paris.
- Crown Princess Cecilie of Prussia (1908), Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation, Berlin. An elegant royal portrait from his first years in London.
- Countess Anna de Noailles (1913), Musée d'Orsay, Paris. The French poet in a flowing, informal portrait.
- Mrs Philip de László (Lucy Guinness) (1916). A tender portrait of his wife.
- Queen Marie of Romania (1924), Peleș Castle, Romania. The queen in regal dress.
- Frank Billings Kellogg (1925), National Portrait Gallery, Washington. The American Secretary of State.
- Princess Elizabeth of York (1933), Royal Collection. The future Queen Elizabeth II as a young girl.
Decorating with de László Prints
De László's portraits of women suit drawing rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms with elegant furniture and soft or rich colours. Society portraits such as Viscountess Byng of Vimy look superb in gilt frames.
His portraits of statesmen and scholars suit a study or library, and his portraits of children and young women, such as A Blonde Girl with Red Bow, bring warmth to a sitting room or landing.
FAQ
Who was Philip de László?
Philip Alexius de László was an Anglo-Hungarian portrait painter who lived from 1869 to 1937. He was one of the leading society and royal portraitists of his time.
Who did de László paint?
His sitters included Pope Leo XIII, Kaiser Wilhelm II, Queen Marie of Romania, Princess Elizabeth (later Elizabeth II), American presidents' families and many aristocrats.
How did de László get his name?
Born Fülöp Laub, he and his brother changed their surname to László in 1891. After he was ennobled in 1912 he became László de Lombos and used the name "de László".
Was de László interned during the First World War?
Yes. Although a British subject, he was interned for over a year in 1917–1918, accused of contact with the enemy. He was released on health grounds and cleared in 1919.
Where can I see de László's paintings?
Works are in the Royal Collection, the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, the Musée d'Orsay, the Imperial War Museum and many country houses of the National Trust.
Related Artists
- John Singer Sargent: the society portraitist he succeeded
- Giovanni Boldini: society portraitist of the same era
- Sir John Lavery: fellow society portraitist in London
