112500

DESTROYED
Preparatory work
Dr Theodor Kohn, Archbishop of Olmütz^[1] 1900
The archbishop standing full-length slightly to the right, full face to the viewer, his right hand to his chest, wearing clerical robes

Oil on canvas board, 40.6 x 33 cm (16 x 13 in.)

Sitters’ Book I, f. 48: + Theodorus / Princeps Archiepiscopus / Olumuciensis / Olumucii die 17. Novembris / 1900-
Studio Inventory, p. 65 (340): Study of a Cardinal(?) [sic]

This oil study is one of three known preparatory works made by de László while visiting Archbishop Kohn at Olmütz in November 1900. He made a study portrait of the Archbishop [13542] and numerous detailed drawings of the regalia and the composition on a single sheet [111962]. The size and complexity of the  life-size portrait [110820] commissioned for the throne room at Kremsier Castle meant that the artist required these to complete the portrait with only intermittent sittings with the Archbishop.^[2] 

Preparatory oil studies such as these enabled the artist to arrange the composition and colours for the finished picture and many remained in the artist’s studio until his death.

For biographical notes on the sitter, see [110820].

PROVENANCE:

In the possession of the artist on his death;

Destroyed in accordance with the terms of the artist’s will, 1947

KK & KF 2022