Artwork
Portrait of a Lady and her Daughter
Portrait of a Lady and her Daughter is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Philip de László. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
In 1902, the Hungarian-born artist Philip de László created an oil painting titled Portrait of a Lady and her Daughter. The work presents two figures—a mature woman and a young girl—seated together, rendered with a calm, restrained demeanor. The composition is part of the Hermitage Museum’s collection and reflects de László’s focus on aristocratic portraiture during the early twentieth century.
Subject & Meaning
The subjects are Margarita Petrovna Kapnist and her daughter Nadejda Alexeievna Stenbock‑Fermor, members of the Russian nobility.
The subjects are Margarita Petrovna Kapnist and her daughter Nadejda Alexeievna Stenbock‑Fermor, members of the Russian nobility. Their attire and bearing convey a sense of refinement and familial connection, while the subdued expressions suggest an emphasis on dignity rather than overt sentiment. The portrait thus serves both as a personal record and a visual affirmation of their social standing.
Technique & Style
De László employs a smooth handling of paint to render the textures of fabric, particularly the translucent white shawl that overlays the woman's dark green dress. Soft, diffused lighting isolates the faces against a deep background, creating a subtle chiaroscuro effect that accentuates the contours of their features. The overall approach aligns with Impressionist sensibilities, emphasizing light and surface over strict realism.
History & Provenance
Born Fülöp Laub in 1869, de László gained reputation for painting European royalty and high society, and this portrait exemplifies that period of his career. After its creation, the painting entered the collection of the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display, offering insight into both the artist’s oeuvre and the visual culture of the Russian aristocracy at the turn of the century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Philip Alexius László de Lombos (born Fülöp Laub; Hungarian: László Fülöp Elek; 30 April 1869 – 22 November 1937), known professionally as Philip de László, was an Anglo-Hungarian painter known particularly for his…
