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Lot Essay
During the 1930's, de László planned to paint a monumental history painting related to the First World War. His intention was to paint, "not men fighting, but the still nobler part of suffering women at home." He would request sittings of women who he envisaged as good models for his composition, make a study for his own needs and in thanks make another to present to the sitter. He gave Mrs. Konstam a study portrait of herself swathed in blue silk and retained the present picture, depicting her as a war widow. The War Picture was never completed, and the studies remained in his studio at his death.
Mary Beatrix Loyd, born 26 October 1885, was the youngest child of the Rev. Lewis Haig Loyd (1844-1905). Known as Kitty, she was a cousin of Lady Wantage of Lockinge and became a companion to her after the death of her husband in 1901. Lady Wantage introduced her to Edwin Max Konstam, C.B.E., K.C., (1870-1956) and they were married at St. Peter's Eaton Square, London on 27 September 1918.
Mrs. Konstam died 2 October 1989 and is buried with her husband at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey.