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Portrait of Michael Herbert Rudolph Knatchbull-Hugessen, 5th Baron Brabourne (1895-1939), half-length wearing the uniform of the Royal Naval Air Service
Description Philip Alexius de László, P.R.B.A.
1869-1937
Portrait of Michael Herbert Rudolph?Knatchbull-Hugessen, 5th Baron Brabourne (1895-1939), half-length wearing the uniform of the Royal Naval Air Service
signed and dated lower right:?P.A. de László/1914 Nov. 17 and signed by the sitter lower left: Michael K.-Hugessen.
oil on board?
91.5 x 71.5 cm.
Condition Report There is some surface dirt visible. There is a small surface abrasion above the signature, to the right lower edge. There are some other very minor scuffs, notably above the lower edge. There is a tiny abrasion below his lip.
UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT There are spots fluorescing to the background that have discoloured and some are visible in natural light. There is one small vertical line fluorescing to the sitter's right cheek however this appears to be pigment.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Literature Sitters’ Book I, f. 100:
Michael Knatchbull-Hugessen 18.11. '14; Catalogue of Portraits,?1920, no. 99;
P. de László, March-July 1936 diary, private collection, 23 June entry, pp. 129-130;
O. Rutter,?
Portrait of a Painter, London 1939, p. 297.
Provenance Commissioned by the sitter’s father Cecil Marcus Knatchbull-Hugessen, 4th Baron Brabourne.
Notes Michael Knatchbull (later 5th Lord Brabourne) was the son of Cecil, 4th Lord Brabourne and his wife Helena von Brunningen. Born in 1895 he was just?19 when this portrait was painted at the outbreak of the 1st?World War. He joined up immediately as his education at Wellington College and the Royal Military?Academy at Woolwich gave him the necessary military experience and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the?Royal Artillery. He served in the Gallipoli Campaign the following year attached to No. 3 Squadron, Royal Naval Services. He flew flying artillery spotting?missions and was promoted to Lieutenant. In September 1915 he was mentioned?in Dispatches and awarded the Military Cross. The following year?he was seconded to Staff duties as an aide-de-camp until?1918 when he joined the fledgling RAF.
This portrait was painted in 1914 by de László, then at the height of his international?fame. Other commissions that?year included The King of Greece, Queen Olga of Greece and the former British Prime Minister Arthur Balfour.
We are grateful to Katherine Field for writing a catalogue entry for this lot which is available upon request. This portrait will be included in the Philip de László catalogue raisonné, currently presented in progress online: www.delaszlocatalogueraisonne.com