8349

Paul Leonardo de Laszlo 1929

Half-length to the left, head turned to the right, wearing a barrister's wig and gown, and holding a leather bound book

Oil on canvas, 87 x 68 cm (34 ¼ x 26 ⅝ in.)

Inscribed lower left: To Paul / from father / London 1929 Xmas, / P A de László

Inscribed on stretcher verso by the sitter: Painted in 8 hours four weeks after my call^[1] P.L. de L

Laib L15798(175) / C19(8A)  Paul de Laszlo

NPG 1929-31 Album, p. 6a

Private Collection

De László was delighted when his son Paul was called to the bar and painted this portrait to commemorate his achievement. He painted Paul in his legal robes on four other occasions including a head and shoulders study portrait in 1932 [8358], which was destroyed in a warehouse fire in 1990. Also in 1932 he painted another half-length portrait [8354] dedicated to Paul’s brother, Stephen, which remains with a descendant. De László painted a very similar portrait to the present picture, which was destroyed after his death by his executors, in accordance with his wishes. Finally he painted a portrait sketch of Paul, seated half length, which remained unfinished [8675].

For biographical notes on the sitter, see [13214].

PROVENANCE:  

In the possession of the artist on his death

Paul de Laszlo, the sitter

Christopher de Laszlo;

By descent

EXHIBITED:  

•Hull, Autumn Exhibition, 1930

KF 2016