Anthony van Dyck

Painter and etcher Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641) was second only to Rubens in 17th-century Flanders. In fact he had worked at the latter's Antwerp studio as a young man. There he had concentrated on painting religious and historical scenes, like his teacher. Van Dyck had a huge impact as a portraitist of affluent burghers. From 1621 to 1627, Van Dyck worked in Italy, particularly in Genoa, where he absorbed the influence of Venetian painters, especially Titian. Later, Van Dyck worked in Flanders for several years, before suddenly leaving for London in 1632. Knighted by Charles I, Sir Anthony became one of the most sought-after artists of the English court. The remarkable elegance with which he portrayed his subjects certainly contributed to his success. In his later years, Van Dijck spent time in both England and the Low Countries.