Mrs Adrian van Montagu, née Anne Mabel Olivia Trouton Possibly 1910

Philip Alexius de László made this portrait of a girl holding flowers with oil on canvas. I wonder how long it took? I can imagine de László applying the paint in layers, each stroke building up to form the girl's likeness. Look how the yellow ochre light of her skirt contrasts with the cool blues in her dress and flowers, creating a vibrant energy. See how the brushstrokes around the edges are looser, more suggestive. The painting feels alive, as if the artist is capturing a fleeting moment in time. The weave of the basket contrasts with the delicate frills of her hat. De László’s paintings remind me of Sargent’s portraits. Both artists were interested in capturing the likeness of their sitters with a sense of spontaneity. I think paintings like this are evidence of an ongoing conversation between artists across time. They inspire one another’s creativity, each adding their voice to the story of art.