8729

Still Life

Study of Fruit 1932

Still life of a pineapple, grapes and other fruit in a gold dish, a decanter of red wine behind to the right, a glass half full of wine in front, on a table covered with a white cloth

Oil on panel, 52.1 x 68.6 cm (20 ½ x 27 in.)

Inscribed lower left: de László / 1932 X   

Studio Inventory, p. 103 (608): A study of Fruit. On loan from the Trustees.

Private Collection

The richness of the present composition marks a strong contrast with that [5229] painted by the artist in the spring of 1919, just before his exoneration and release from wartime internment. Eleven years later, with his portrait practice completely re-established, de László is turning to more deliberate and sophisticated still-life paintings.

As far as it is known, 1934 was the first year the artist entered a still life for exhibition. At the Ferens Art Gallery, Hull he asked £200 for it, amongst the most expensive in the show, this was probably intended to prevent its sale.

PROVENANCE:

In the possession of the artist on his death

EXHIBITED:

•Ferens Art Gallery, Kingston Upon Hull, Exhibition of Modern Art, including the First Annual Exhibition of the Hull Arts Club, Autumn, 1934, no. 44

•Royal West of England Academy, 90th Annual Exhibition, November 1935 - February 1936, no. 245

•Wildenstein & Co., Ltd., London, Exhibition of Paintings by Philip A. de László, M.V.O., In Aid of the London Hospital and The Artists’ General Benevolent Institution, November - December 1937, no. 58

SMdeL & SdeL 2013