Count Albert Mensdorff-Pouilly-Dietrichstein

Count Albert Mensdorff-Pouilly-Dietrichstein was an Austro-Hungarian diplomat of mixed Habsburg-Bourbon lineage who served as Ambassador to London and was known in British society as 'Cousin Albert' of King George V. Philip de László painted this portrait in 1900, early in his British career. De László was a favorite of the Anglo-Austrian aristocracy, and this commission reflects the social networks of central European nobility in Edwardian London. The portrait now hangs at the National Portrait Gallery.

De László presents his subject with the social ease and technical confidence that made him the preferred portraitist of the European aristocracy. The face is modelled with careful attention to character; the formal dress is broadly but accurately handled. The palette is cool and distinguished.