Artwork
Self-portrait of Philip Alexius László de Lombos
Self-portrait of Philip Alexius László de Lombos is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Philip de László. It dates from 1911 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery. Created in 1911, this oil self‑portrait presents Philip Alexius László de Lombos at work.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1911, this oil self‑portrait presents Philip Alexius László de Lombos at work. The composition places the artist in a three‑quarter view, his dark jacket contrasting with a muted background that recedes in a gentle tonal shift. Holding a palette and brush, he gazes directly at the viewer, his expression neutral and contemplative.
Subject & Meaning
The work functions as both a personal statement and a professional declaration. By depicting himself with the tools of his trade, László emphasizes his identity as a portraitist serving royal and aristocratic patrons. The straightforward pose and lack of overt symbolism suggest a focus on the artist’s craft rather than narrative allegory.
Technique & Style
Executed within the late‑Impressionist idiom, the painting employs a restrained palette and loose brushwork that soften edges while preserving form. Subtle chiaroscuro creates volume, especially in the folds of the jacket and the illuminated hand, allowing the figure to emerge from the darkened backdrop without harsh delineation.
History & Provenance
László, a Hungarian-born painter who settled in Britain, completed the portrait shortly before his naturalisation in 1914. At the time he had already been awarded the Royal Victorian Order (1909) and would receive Austrian‑Hungarian ennoblement in 1912. The canvas entered the Uffizi Gallery’s collection, where it remains part of the museum’s portrait holdings.
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…
