Head of a Boy

Head of a Boy, about 1930 oil on panel by Edward Le Bas (1904–1966).

Head and shoulders portrait of a youth, his face turned slightly to the left and his gaze directed in the same direction. His short dark hair is parted in the middle and he wears a dark jacket and plain shirt open at the neck.

This is one of two works by Le Bas in the collection. Edward Le Bas succeeded Rothenstein in 1948 as Carlisle’s second honorary Advisor to the Purchase Scheme. Le Bas specialised in portraits, still-life and interiors and became a Royal Academician in 1953. Rothenstein said of Le Bas in 1931: “Mr Le Bas I regard as one of the most promising of the younger painters, like Mr Gwynne-Jones, of a conservative character.”

Le Bas’ private income enabled him to travel widely and to indulge his passion for collecting modern French and English painting. Like Rothenstein, Le Bas bought wisely from young or underrated artists and assembled an outstanding private collection. Carlisle was fortunate therefore to have such an experienced collector as Advisor. Like Rothenstein, Le Bas’ taste was conservative rather than modern, which is reflected in the eleven works he purchased for the collection.