5860

RECTO

Preparatory drawing

Princess Alexis Kara-Georgevitch, née Myra Abigail Pankhurst 1930

Seated three-quarter length to the right, in a round-backed French armchair, and looking to the left, wearing an evening gown, a three-stranded pearl necklace and a choker just indicated, her hands together in her lap

Pencil on buff paper, 36.9 x 29.2 cm (14 ½ x 11 ½ in.)
Inscribed lower left: Princess Karageorgevitch

Sitters’ Book II, opp. f. 66: Daria Princesse, Kara-Georgevitch June 26 1930

Studio Inventory, p. 155 (205): Studies of Princess Karageorgevitch / (Both sides)

Private Collection

De László made two preparatory drawings on the recto and verso of the same sheet for his three-quarter length portrait of Princess Kara-Georgevitch, painted in London in 1930 [5857]. The position of her hands differs in this drawing compared to the second study [112890] and the finished picture. The artist ultimately decided to paint the portrait with her right hand trailing at her side.

For biographical notes on the sitter, see [5857].

PROVENANCE:

In possession of the artist on his death;

By descent in the family;

Sold at Christie’s South Kensington, 13 June 1997, part of lot 82

KF 2018