Philip de László

Philip de László (1869–1937) was a Hungarian-born painter celebrated for his elegant portraits of royalty, aristocrats, and prominent figures of the early 20th century. Renowned for his fluid brushwork and ability to capture both likeness and character, he painted over 4,000 portraits during his career, depicting kings, queens, presidents, and cultural icons across Europe and America. His style blended academic precision with a lively, modern touch, making him one of the most sought-after portraitists of his time. Born Fülöp Laub in Budapest, he studied at the National Academy of Art in Budapest and later in Munich and Paris. In 1900, he married Lucy Guinness, an Anglo-Irish socialite, and settled in London, where his career flourished. De László remained active until his death in 1937, leaving a legacy as one of the last great society portrait painters.