Francis De Erdely Hungarian-American, 1904-1959

Francis De Erdely (1904–1959) was a Hungarian-American painter recognized for his powerful and empathetic portrayals of the human condition. Trained in Budapest, Madrid, and Paris, he brought a classical European foundation to his expressive, modernist style. After fleeing the political upheaval of pre-WWII Europe, he settled in the United States, eventually making Los Angeles his home. There, he focused on depicting immigrants, laborers, and performers—figures that reflected his deep interest in identity and resilience. His work is included in the collections of major institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.