László, Philip de. (1869-1937)
Autograph Letter
Autograph letter from the important Hungarian-born English portrait painter to a Dr. Meder, possibly the Austrian art historian Joseph Meder, regarding his travel plans and the restoration of a painting. Paris, February 17, 1913. 1 p. Folding creases; overall in fine condition. 8.25 x 10.5 inches (21 x 27 cm).Translated from the German, in part: "Dear Dr. Meder, I received your kind note via London. I am sorry that I have not yet been able to come to Vienna. I am currently [en route to] England, which I had been away from for two months. Two months ago [I had] an accident, and was being treated until now. Later in the spring I want to travel to [...] Athens, and on this occasion I would come via Vienna. In this case I would let you know in advance. What is the damage to the [...] S. R. K. H.? Perhaps this could be arranged with a capable restorer in [...]? or is the chest also damaged? [...] I am sorry that I cannot tell you anything more definite today. With best wishes, yours, P. A. von Laszlo."
The Hungarian painter Philip Alexius de László married Lucy Guinness of Stillorgan, County Dublin in 1900, and became a British citizen in 1914. In his lifetime, de László was recognized as one of the most important portrait painters of his generation. His reputation still remains largely as a society portrait painter, but well numbered amongst his sitters were industrialists and scientists, politicians and painters, men and women of letters and many other eminent, as well as ordinary, people. His oeuvre is currently undergoing a reassessment, and he is being appreciated again as one of the last proponents of the grand manner tradition. His oeuvre currently numbers almost 4,000 works, including drawings. (14738)
Autograph Letter Art & Design