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DESTROYED

Preparatory work

Mrs Stanley Baldwin, née Lucy Ridsdale 1936

Seated three-quarter length to the right, head turned slightly right

Oil on canvasboard, 51 x 40.6 cm (20 x 16 in.)

Sitters’ Book II, f. 85: Lucy Baldwin 20-12-35

Studio Inventory, p. 59 (307): Study, Viscountess Baldwin of Bewdley, then Mrs Stanley Baldwin. Study for the portrait which was exhibited at Wildenstein’s Gallery in the 1937 Exhibition

This is the preparatory oil study for the finished portrait of Mrs Baldwin [2324]. It shows that de László changed his conception for the placement of the figure several times. The preparatory drawing [2326] is much closer to the finished picture. In both works the artist has exaggerated the twist of the sitter’s torso, as compared to the present picture, giving the portrait a vitality in keeping with the sitter’s personality.

For biographical notes on the sitter, see [2324].

PROVENANCE:

In the possession of the artist on his death;

Destroyed in accordance with the artist’s will, 1947

KF 2017