Artwork

Portrait of Clarice de Rothschild

Portrait of Clarice de Rothschild, by Philip de László, oil, 1925
Portrait of Clarice de Rothschild, by Philip de László, oil, 1925

Portrait of Clarice de Rothschild is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Philip de László. It dates from 1925 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1925, this oil on canvas portrait presents Clarice Sebag‑Montefiore, a member of the Rothschild family, seated in a dimly lit interior. She is dressed in a pale blue gown with a high neckline, complemented by a matching shawl and a pearl necklace that catches the light. Her hands rest calmly in her lap, and she gazes directly ahead with a composed expression.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Clarice Sebag‑Montefiore, is portrayed with a restrained elegance that reflects her social standing and the conventions of early‑twentieth‑century aristocratic portraiture. The subdued background and the focus on her attire and jewelry underscore themes of refinement and quiet authority, while her direct stare conveys a sense of personal poise.

Technique & Style

Philip de László employs a smooth, richly blended application of oil paint, particularly evident in the delicate rendering of the subject’s face and the soft folds of the dress. The muted, shadowy backdrop serves to isolate the figure, a compositional choice typical of his portrait work that balances realism with an impressionistic handling of light and colour.

History & Provenance

The portrait was painted by the Anglo‑Hungarian artist Philip de László, renowned for his commissions from European royalty and aristocracy. After its creation, the work entered the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where it remains on view as part of the museum’s holdings of early twentieth‑century portraiture.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Philip de László

Artist

Philip de László

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…