n
1907, John Singer Sargent decided to give up portrait painting. Fortuitously
for them both, that was also the year that Philip Alexius de László
- by then recognized as the foremost portrait painter on the European continent
— decided to conquer England, as well. Sargent saw his own exit strategy,
and gladly paved the way for his successor. Richard Ormond writes: "Society's
favourite portrait painter, an American, was succeeded by an Hungarian in
a seamless transfer of patronage from one to the other.
De László completed some 3,000 portraits — a staggering achievement
— including more portrayals of royalty than any other artist in history.
He painted some fifty of the same subjects as Sargent — the differences and
similarities are a fascinating study.
Perhaps the two elements that today's artist will appreciate most in de László's
work are the delightful, flowing brushwork that conveys a sure sense of elegance
and style, and the solid capture of human character.
This illustrated lecture recounts the highlights of an extraordinary career. You
are invited to attend, and bring your friends. Free to Portrait Institute members.
The Salmagundi Club, New York
47 Fifth Avenue
Friday Evening, January 22, 2010
7:00 P.M.
Free to Portrait Institute Members
Guests and others $20
To request required tickets:
log on to www.portraitinstitute.com.
Limited seating.
n
1907, John Singer Sargent decided to give up portrait painting. Fortuitously
for them both, that was also the year that Philip Alexius de László
- by then recognized as the foremost portrait painter on the European continent
— decided to conquer England, as well. Sargent saw his own exit strategy,
and gladly paved the way for his successor. Richard Ormond writes: "Society's
favourite portrait painter, an American, was succeeded by an Hungarian in
a seamless transfer of patronage from one to the other.
