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Student Artwork Guide

Falling Leaves

Philip Alexius De László, 1895

Name Class Date
Philip Alexius De László, Falling Leaves (1895). Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Philip Alexius De László originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/philip-alexius-de-laszlo/
Artist’s dates
1869 – 1937
Painted
1895
Medium
Oil On Panel
Original size
80 x 64 cm
Movement
Realism Painting ordinary people and ordinary work exactly as they are, without making them prettier or grander.
Period
19th Century
Artistic style
Realism
Notable elements or techniques
Play of light and color, detailed texture
Subject or theme
Serene outdoor scene with man in woods

Copyright This work is in the public domain. Philip Alexius De László died in 1937; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2007.

Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 9, 2026

Falling Leaves — Philip Alexius De László Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Falling Leaves — Philip Alexius De László

How big is it?

The original measures 80 × 64 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1860
  2. 1870
  3. 1880
  4. 1890
  5. 1900
  6. 1910
  7. 1920
  8. 1930

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 68 at death.

Painted when the artist was 26. The artist lived to 68. 7 of the 87 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Philip Alexius De László (1869–1937) ▲ this work, 1895 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1904 Main working years: 1904–1919 Late works: from 1919

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/philip-alexius-de-laszlo-falling-leaves-8XXBHQ-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Putty #d7cbb5

    Catalogued palette

    • #D7CBB5
    • #B1966C
    • #33291F
    • #8B6C3F

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Putty
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Philip Alexius De László over the last twelve months — 5 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 52.8%1,900 visits
    2. 2 United Kingdom 22.2%800 visits
    3. 3 United States of America 19.4%700 visits
    4. 4 Spain 2.8%100 visits
    5. 5 Singapore 2.8%100 visits

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Philip Alexius De László

    1. 1 Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother,when Duchess of York, 1925 9.8%500 visits
    2. 2 Lt-Col. Risaldar Jagat Singh and Risaidar Man Singh, 1916 7.8%400 visits
    3. 3 (Edith Roosevelt), 1908 5.9%300 visits
    4. 4 Mrs. Archie Graham, née Dorothy Shuttleworth, 1917 5.9%300 visits
    5. 5 'The Last Days at Chequers' Lord and Lady Lee of Farenam in the Hawtrey Room, 1920 3.9%200 visits
    6. 6 Cardinal Mariano Rampolla, 1900 3.9%200 visits
    7. 7 Regret (also known as Love Spurned), 1892 3.9%200 visits
    8. 8 Self-Portrait, 1911 3.9%200 visits
    9. 9 An Indian Prince, 1906 3.9%200 visits
    10. 10 Sr Ernest Cassel, 1900 3.9%200 visits
    11. 11 Female Nude, 1891 3.9%200 visits
    12. 12 Pauline Morton Sabin, 1926 2.0%100 visits
    13. 13 (Kermit Roosevelt), 1917 2.0%100 visits
    14. 14 His Holiness Pope Leo XIII, 1900 2.0%100 visits
    15. 15 George Nathaniel, Earl Curzon of Kedleston, 1913 2.0%100 visits
    16. 16 Jan Kubelik, 1903 2.0%100 visits
    17. 17 Marguerite Alexandrine, duchesse du Gramont, née de Rothschild, 1902 2.0%100 visits
    18. 18 The Hofbräuhaus, 1892 2.0%100 visits
    19. 19 'Top o' the Morning: Stephen, the Artist's Second Son, 1912 2.0%100 visits
    20. — Falling Leaves, 1895 this painting 0.0%0 visits

    Together these works take 72.7% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 90 works by this artist, of which 33 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 9, 2026

    Falling Leaves — Philip Alexius De László Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Falling Leaves — Philip Alexius De László

    A Moment Frozen in Time: The Serenity of Falling Leaves

    In the quietude of an autumnal afternoon, Philip Alexius De László invites us into a world where time seems to decelerate. His 1895 masterpiece, Falling Leaves, is far more than a mere depiction of a woodland scene; it is a profound meditation on solitude and the gentle passage of time. The painting captures an elderly man seated at a table amidst the dappled sunlight of a forest, a figure seemingly lost in the depths of his own reflections. As the golden light filters through the canopy, it illuminates a scene that feels both intimate and expansive, pulling the viewer into a shared moment of peaceful contemplation. There is a palpable sense of stillness here, broken only by the imagined rustle of descending foliage and the distant flight of a single bird, which adds a delicate pulse of life to the tranquil atmosphere.

    The composition is masterfully orchestrated to evoke a feeling of comfort and domesticity within the wildness of nature. The presence of a dining table and chairs nestled among the trees suggests a harmonious coexistence between human civilization and the natural world. This juxtaposition creates a unique emotional resonance, making the woods feel not like a daunting wilderness, but like a sanctuary for the soul. For the collector or interior designer, this piece offers a transformative quality; it possesses the rare ability to instill a sense of calm and groundedness in any space, acting as a window into a more contemplative era.

    Mastery of Light and the Elegance of Technique

    De László, an artist renowned for his ability to capture the essence of European aristocracy, applies his formidable skill to this landscape with breathtaking precision. Utilizing oil on panel, the artist achieves a level of textural richness and luminous detail that is difficult to replicate in other mediums. The panel support allows for fine, controlled brushwork, which is evident in the way the sunlight dances across the man's features and the delicate textures of the surrounding trees. The play of light and shadow—a hallmark of late 19th-century realism—is used here to create depth and volume, making the forest feel three-dimensional and immersive.

    The color palette is a sophisticated arrangement of warm, autumnal tones that wrap the viewer in a gentle glow. De László employs subtle gradations of amber, gold, and deep earth tones to build the atmosphere, ensuring that the light feels organic rather than staged. This technical prowess ensures that every time one views a high-quality reproduction of this work, the interplay of warmth and shadow remains as captivating as it was when the paint first dried in 1895. It is this meticulous attention to the physical properties of light that elevates the painting from a simple landscape to a living, breathing environment.

    A Legacy of Poetic Realism

    To understand Falling Leaves, one must consider the historical context of De László’s career. Emerging from the academic traditions of Budapest and refined in the artistic hubs of Munich and Paris, the artist was a master of capturing both the physical likeness and the inner spirit of his subjects. While he is often celebrated for his grand portraits of royalty, this particular work reveals his softer, more poetic side. It reflects the late 19th-century fascination with plein air sensibilities and the Romantic movement's reverence for nature as a mirror to human emotion.

    The symbolism within the piece is subtle yet deeply moving. The open book on the table serves as a metaphor for the unfolding narrative of life, while the falling leaves represent the cyclical nature of existence—the beauty found in transition and decay. For those seeking to adorn their homes with art that speaks to the enduring beauty of the natural cycle, this painting provides an incomparable focal point. It is a work that does not merely decorate a wall; it enriches the spirit, offering a perennial escape into a sun-drenched woodland where the only requirement is to sit, observe, and breathe.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 9, 2026

    Falling Leaves — Philip Alexius De László Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Philip Alexius De László

    Philip Alexius de László: Life and Legacy

    Early Life and Education

    Philip Alexius de László, born Fülöp Laub on April 30, 1869, in Budapest, Hungary, rose from humble beginnings to become a celebrated portrait painter of European royalty and aristocracy. His parents, Adolf and Johanna Laub, were a tailor and seamstress respectively, of Jewish origin. He initially apprenticed as a photographer while pursuing his artistic studies. He gained admission to the National Academy of Art in Budapest, studying under Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz. Further studies in Munich and Paris broadened his artistic horizons.

    Artistic Development and Influences

    De László’s early work demonstrated a keen eye for detail and a developing mastery of realism. His influences included the academic traditions he learned at the Academy, as well as the prevailing trends in portraiture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He quickly distinguished himself with his ability to capture not only physical likeness but also the personality and social standing of his sitters. A pivotal moment came in 1900 when his portrait of Pope Leo XIII earned him a Grand Gold Medal at the Paris International Exhibition, establishing his international reputation.

    Career and Major Achievements

    Following his success in Paris, de László moved to Vienna in 1903 and then settled in London in 1907, where he remained for the rest of his life. He became a highly sought-after portraitist among the European elite. His clientele included monarchs, nobles, industrialists, scientists, and prominent figures from various fields.

    Notable Sitters: Sir Alfred East, Winifred Cavendish-Bentinck (Duchess of Portland), Lady Louise Mountbatten (Queen of Sweden), Vita Sackville-West, Pope Leo XIII, Augusta Victoria (German Empress), Princess Alice of Battenberg, and many others.

    Honors & Recognition: Invested as a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) by Edward VII in 1909. Ennobled by King Franz Joseph I of Hungary in 1912, adopting the name “de László de Lombos.”

    Personal Life and Challenges

    In 1900, de László married Lucy Madeleine Guinness, a member of the prominent banking family. They had six children and seventeen grandchildren. He converted to Anglicanism upon his marriage after an earlier interest in Catholicism. Despite his British citizenship and established life in England, he faced internment during World War I (1917-1918) due to suspicions surrounding his Austrian connections, a period of significant hardship.

    Artistic Style and Themes

    De László’s style is characterized by its realism, meticulous detail, and vibrant color palette. He was adept at capturing the textures of fabrics, jewelry, and skin tones. His portraits often convey a sense of elegance, sophistication, and social status. While primarily known for portraiture, he also created landscapes and genre scenes.

    Historical Significance and Legacy

    Philip de László’s work provides valuable insights into the lives and appearances of European high society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His portraits serve as historical documents, capturing a specific era and its social dynamics. Although sometimes criticized for being primarily a society portraitist, his technical skill and ability to capture character are undeniable. His oeuvre comprises nearly 4,000 works, including drawings, and a catalogue raisonné is currently in progress. He died on November 22, 1937, in London, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the foremost portrait painters of his time.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Falling Leaves

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/philip-alexius-de-laszlo-falling-leaves-8XXBHQ-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    László, Philip Alexius De. Falling Leaves. 1895, https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/philip-alexius-de-laszlo-falling-leaves-8XXBHQ-en/
    APA
    László, Philip Alexius De (1895). Falling Leaves [Painting]. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/philip-alexius-de-laszlo-falling-leaves-8XXBHQ-en/
    Chicago
    Philip Alexius De László. Falling Leaves. 1895. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/philip-alexius-de-laszlo-falling-leaves-8XXBHQ-en/
    Harvard
    László, Philip Alexius De (1895) Falling Leaves. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/philip-alexius-de-laszlo-falling-leaves-8XXBHQ-en/

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 9, 2026

    Falling Leaves — Philip Alexius De László Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Falling Leaves — Philip Alexius De László

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: man, trees, table. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Pauline Morton Sabin (1926), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Realism: Painting ordinary people and ordinary work exactly as they are, without making them prettier or grander. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 9, 2026

    Falling Leaves — Philip Alexius De László Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    What does "Falling Leaves" share with the rest of Philip Alexius De László's output?

    "Falling Leaves" shares with Philip Alexius De László's other works its Realism style and the recorded themes: academic realism influences, nature and tranquility, portraiture mastery, serene outdoor scenes.

    Where in the home does a reproduction of "Falling Leaves" fit well?

    A reproduction of "Falling Leaves" fits well in a living room.

    Which palette and lead color define "Falling Leaves"?

    "Falling Leaves" by Philip Alexius De László uses an earthy palette, with putty (#d7cbb5) as the dominant color.