Anthony van Dyck, Rubens’s most prominent assistant, displayed a remarkable talent from a very young age. He was a skilled painter of biblical and mythological subjects in the manner of his master, but he soon became renowned for the grace and vitality of his portraits. ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â Collection includes portraits from all stages of Van Dyck’s career. They feature sitters from the nobility and merchant classes, influential patrons, associates and friends.
Between 1621 and 1627 Van Dyck made Italy his home. There, he received important commissions from the aristocracy of Genoa and the bishops and cardinals of Rome. Back in Antwerp he was equally sought-after as a portrait painter. Like Rubens, Van Dyck ran a large workshop to meet high demand, often leaving the less important parts of his portraits to studio assistants.
In 1632 Van Dyck moved to London and became court painter to Charles I (1600–1649). To this day, his portraits can be found in country house collections across Britain. Van Dyck’s elegant portraiture had a lasting influence on portrait painting throughout Europe and especially in England.