111157

Landscape study

The Yew Walk at Colesbourne Park, Home of the Elwes Family 1920

A yew-lined walk at dawn or sunset with an elm tree in the background

Oil on board, 50.8 x 40.6 cm (20 x 16 in.)

Inscribed lower right: de László / 1920 IX

Private Collection

The present landscape study was made at the Elwes family home in September 1920, as de László was starting work on a large group portrait of Henry John Elwes with his son Henry Cecil and grandson John [5014]. He also made a preparatory study for the portrait [5020], though the finished picture was completed at his studio in London. The Yew Walk survives at Colesbourne Park, however, the elm tree in the background of this picture no longer exists.

This study is typical of de László’s practice of painting such works for his own pleasure, when staying with patrons, or while on holiday. It was not used as a preparatory work for the background of the group portrait. The artist often kept these for himself, but in this instance, he gave the painting to his patron’s son, Henry Cecil Elwes.

CC 2008