Philip Alexius De Laszlo Hungarian-born portrait artist Date of Birth: 30.04.1869 Country: Great Britain

1. Philip Alexis de Laszlo: A Hungarian Portrait Artist
2. Early Years and Education
3. Recognition and Travels
4. Marriage and Family
5. Final Years and Legacy

Philip Alexis de Laszlo: A Hungarian Portrait Artist

Philip Alexis de Laszlo was a renowned portrait artist of Hungarian descent, known for his numerous portraits of European aristocracy and members of monarchial families. He was born in Budapest in 1869, as the eldest son of a Jewish weaver. In 1891, his family changed their surname from Laub to László.

Early Years and Education

During his youth, de Laszlo pursued photography and began studying painting at the Hungarian National Academy of Fine Arts. He was mentored by well-known artists Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz. He furthered his education in Munich and Paris.

Recognition and Travels

De Laszlo's portrait of Pope Leo XIII earned him a prestigious gold medal at the 1900 Paris World Exhibition. In 1903, he moved from Budapest to Vienna and then settled in England in 1907. London became his home for the rest of his life, although he extensively traveled the world for commissioned works. He received numerous honors and awards, including being appointed an honorary member of the Royal Victorian Order in 1909 by Edward VII. In 1912, he was granted a noble title by Franz Joseph I, the Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary. The artist's name became László de Lombos, but he preferred to use his original surname with the prefix "de."

Marriage and Family

In 1900, de Laszlo married Lucy Madeleine Guinness, a member of the wealthy and ancient Guinness family. They first met in Munich in 1892, but were forbidden to see each other for several years. Undoubtedly, Lucy's social and familial connections contributed to enhancing her husband's reputation and acquiring commissions. The couple had six children, most of whom married into aristocratic British families. De Laszlo became a British citizen in 1914, but during World War I, he was expelled from the country in 1917.

Final Years and Legacy

De Laszlo suffered a heart attack in 1936, followed by another later that year, and passed away in his home in Hampstead. He left behind a remarkable legacy as one of the most celebrated portrait artists of his time, with his works displayed in prestigious galleries and private collections worldwide.