13th Jul, 2024 9:30 GMT/BST
British, European & Sporting Art
1099
Philip Alexius de László PRBA (1869-1937) Hungarian/British
Portrait of Admiral Sir Hedworth Meux, head and shoulders, in Naval attire
Signed and dated 1926, oil on canvas, 65.5cm by 47.5cm
We are grateful to Katherine Field, Senior Editor of the Philip de László catalogue raisonné for identifying this portrait. The catalogue is currently presented in progress online: www.delaszlocatalogueraisonne.com
Sold for £8,000
Estimated at £3,000 - £5,000
The reverse of the stretcher is covered by an old cotton canvas. Flat, even picture plane. Minor small areas of brittle age and drying cracks (e.g. top of cap badge), all stable and not elevated. One 1.5cm filled and retouched loss in the sitter's left shoulder, and a smaller retouched loss to his right shoulder and a further tiny loss above this in the background. Possibly micro-flaking along the collar? A white material sits in the canvas troughs to the left of the cap, with a smaller patch on the right, and futher patches down the left side of the drapery and in the bottom left quadrant. There is mould growth on the inside of the glass in places. A slightly uneven surface gloss - it is more matt in places where the paint is leaner and thinner. Not appreciably yellowed.
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A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the Seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage people to see an item in person when possible.
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Works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
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Auction: British, European & Sporting Art, 13th Jul, 2024
Sir Alfred Munnings is rightly celebrated as the master of equine art; his lifelong affinity with the horse is reflected in his insightful and vital equine portraits that capture the grace and power of the animals, and his “Lord Astor on Shooting Stick with Horses” will be sold in the British, European and Sporting Art Sale on 13th July. The painting is a sketch for “A Summer Evening at Cliveden, Waldorf Astor, Second Viscount Astor (1879-1952), seated”, which is held in the Cliveden Estate Collection in Buckinghamshire, now managed by the National Trust. From the same private collection is a watercolour by Munnings; “In the Woods Near Noyon 1918 Attack. Our Retreat” was executed whilst the artist was serving in the First World War with the Canadian Cavalry.
An engaging portrait sketch by the renowned George Romney, which has been in the same family collection since it was painted, will also be offered. The sketch depicts Caesar Hawkins and is thought to have been executed in preparation for a full-length portrait of Caesar, his sister Louisa Anne, and their mother Emma Hawkins (née Adair), which was once in the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Four works by one of the leading Victorian equestrian artists, Heywood Hardy are also on offer, hailing from two private collections.
Viewing
Sunday 7th July to Friday 12th July 11am-4pm and morning of sale from 8am
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