Philip de László: Portraits and Royal Misadventures
Philip de László was an Anglo-Hungarian painter born in 1869, known particularly for his portraits of royal and aristocratic personages. He became a British subject in 1914 and was renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture the likeness of his sitters. His career was marked by numerous high-profile commissions, including portraits of Queen Mary and King Edward VII, which were often accompanied by humorous anecdotes that revealed his dedication and the playful nature of his royal subjects.
Philip de László at a glance
- Born: 1869, Budapest, Hungary
- Died: 1937
- Nationality: Anglo-Hungarian; became a British subject in 1914
- Known for: Portraits of royal and aristocratic sitters
- Notable sitters: Queen Mary and King Edward VII
- Signature works: The Queen Mary portrait nicknamed “The Queen with the Big Hands”
- Membership: Royal Society of British Artists
One of the most amusing incidents involved Queen Mary, who felt the initial rendering of her hands was not elegant enough. In his eagerness to please, de László made them larger and more graceful, earning the portrait the nickname “The Queen with the Big Hands.” Another incident occurred with King Edward VII, who playfully snipped off part of his mustache during a sitting, forcing de László to skillfully reattach the severed hairs to the canvas. These stories highlight his professionalism and the importance of humor in navigating the unpredictable world of portraiture.
– Born in 1869 in Budapest, Hungary.
– Became a British subject in 1914.
– Married Lucy Guinness in 1900.
– Known for portraits of royal and aristocratic figures.
– Painted Queen Mary and King Edward VII.
– The Queen Mary portrait was nicknamed “The Queen with the Big Hands.”
– King Edward VII played a prank by cutting his mustache.
– De László reattached the mustache hairs to the canvas.
– His portraits are held in major collections worldwide.
– He was a member of the Royal Society of British Artists.
“The story of the king, the artist, and the disappearing mustache served as a lighthearted reminder that even the most dignified figures could have a playful side.”
