3525

Landscape study

The Garden at Carisbrooke Castle 1926

A path with trees on the right and grass and flowers both sides

Oil on board, 39.4 x 31.2 cm (15 ½ x 12 ¼ in.)

Inscribed lower left: P.A. de L. / Carisbrook [sic] Castle 1926

Inscribed Verso: Carisbrook [sic] Castle / aug – 1926

Private Collection

On 12 August 1926 de László and Lucy travelled to Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight to stay with Princess Beatrice [3488], youngest daughter of Queen Victoria. She had been appointed Governor of the Isle of Wight by her mother in 1896, a post held by her husband Prince Henry of Battenberg (1858-1896) before her. This appointment enabled the Queen to keep close the daughter upon whom she relied so heavily, as she spent much time at nearby Osborne House, the seaside home she and Prince Albert had created together. The gardens at Carisbrooke were for the Princess’ private use until her death in 1944 and are today named in her honour.  

The visit to the Island must have brought back many fond memories for the artist who first visited in 1898 to paint Mrs Joseph Grafton Minot and her son [6333]. De László also spent time in London and and his exposure to the work of the masters of 18th century British Art had a great impact on his painting and encouraged him to make England his home in 1907. During his stay at Carisbrooke he painted two study portraits of Princess Beatrice [3375] [3488] and a further landscape study in the grounds around the castle [3283].

PROVENANCE:

Lucy de László;   

John du Toit, nephew of Lucy

KF 2017