De László as one of the most famous artists of his day and among the last proponents of Grand Manner portraiture. Two popes, four US presidents and many leading figures in politics, religion and industry were among his clients. By the end of his life he had been awarded 22 orders and 17 medals of merit by his royal sitters.
Held at the next edition of the BADA Fair (March 20-26), the exhibition marks the 150th anniversary of his birth. It offers a selection of his masterpieces sourced on loan from private collections including early commissioned portraits, intimate depictions of family and friends and landscapes he painted for pleasure in his later years.
Among the pieces to be shown is a self-portrait he painted in 1925 created by working alla prima, applying layers of fresh paint before the first layer dried, which requires fast working. The speed of his style enabled him to complete his likeness in only two sittings.
It also includes images never before exhibited, sourced from the de Laszlo family collections. These include intimate portraits of his wife Lucy née Guinness and his sons John and Patrick.
