Artwork
The Storyteller
The Storyteller is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Philip de László. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1896 with oil on canvas, The Storyteller is an Impressionist genre work by Philip de László. The composition centers on a domestic interior where a woman operates a spinning wheel while a group of children watches attentively. The painting is part of the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures a moment of informal instruction: the woman, illuminated by a small flame, guides the children as she spins thread, a traditional household task. The quiet concentration of the youngsters suggests the transmission of practical knowledge across generations, emphasizing the value of everyday labor within a modest home.
Technique & Style
De László employs the loose, fluid brushwork characteristic of Impressionism, allowing forms to dissolve into light and color. The palette is muted, with soft blues and earth tones that convey the worn texture of walls and floor. The painter’s handling of light—particularly the glow from the flame—creates a subtle contrast that highlights the central activity.
History & Provenance
After completing the work, de László continued his career as a portraitist of European royalty, later marrying Lucy Guinness and acquiring British citizenship in 1914. He received the Royal Victorian Order and a Hungarian noble title. The painting eventually entered the holdings of the Hungarian National Gallery, where it remains on display.
Context
The late nineteenth century saw a resurgence of interest in rural crafts and domestic scenes, reflecting broader social concerns about industrialization. By depicting a spinning wheel—a device for turning raw fiber into thread—de László aligns his work with contemporary nostalgia for traditional skills and family-centered education.
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…
