Portrait of Norman Louis Cappel Esq., 1933

Philip Alexius de László made this portrait of Norman Louis Cappel, probably in oil. De László has this way of building up the face with subtle shifts in tone, as if he’s gently coaxing the light out of the canvas. It’s a process of layering, of letting the colors blend and blur to create this soft, almost dreamlike quality. I love the way he handles the materiality of paint; it’s neither too thick nor too thin, but just right. It is as though the paint is simply a conduit for light. The way de László renders the eyes, for instance, is masterful; look closely and you’ll notice how he captures a subtle glimmer, a hint of life that seems to emanate from within. It’s that attention to detail, that willingness to get lost in the process, that elevates this painting beyond a mere likeness. It reminds me a little of John Singer Sargent's portraits, but with a softer, more introspective touch. Both artists share a similar interest in capturing the essence of their subjects, but de László brings a quieter, more contemplative energy to his work. Painting is an ongoing conversation.