Anthony Van Dyck 1599 - 1641

Anthony Van Dyck was one of the most famous painters in the history of art. He was born in Antwerp on 22nd. March 1599, the seventh child of Frans Van Dyck and his second wife Maria Cuypers. He lived a luxurious and aristocratic lifestyle despite coming from a middle class background
Van Dyck was highly ambitious, and by 1615 he set up his own studio in Antwerp after leaving van Balen, together with two assistants.

He became very influential because of his dazzling images of the court of Charles I of England, and was one of the most celebrated portraitists for the next 200 years. He was greatly influenced by Ruben whom he had worked with in Antwerp.Ruben’s arts dominated Antwerp during Van Dyck early years, his genus posed and obvious challenge to upcoming painters at the time, that prompted Van Dyck early bid for independence and recognition. He did not only flatter Ruben by his way of dressing but also by emulating his painting style, which he mastered astonishingly.

He had royal patrons from Europe who greatly desired to have a self-portrait. His career spans from Italy, Flanders and England. He perfected the style of aristocratic portraiture that became the model for the court artists all over Europe.
In 1627, Van Dyck returned to Italy to attend his sister’s death, Cornelia. For the next six years he was successful and productive compared to any other time in his career. He was continuously employed by the church for portraits to adorn their enormous architectures.
His paintings were becoming popular and appreciative among English collectors, and Van Dyck was persuaded by the Earl of Aroundel to come to England in 1632.

It was not clear why he left Antwerp after making an astonishing success there, but it was believed he was attracted by the life in the court, and Charles who became king in 1625 had a formidable reputation as a patron of arts. Van Dyck was well treated by the king, his lodging and general welfare was at the expense of the king and, he was granted an annual pension of £ 200.
He was knighted on 5th. Of July 1632 and was presented with a golden chain that was worth £100 the following year. In his house it was recorded by his biographer, he kept servants, musicians, singer and fools.
The king and his courtiers were believed to be demanding patrons and he painted around 30 large portraits of monarchs in 9 years in his specially built landing stage constructed outside his house in Blackfrairs.

He had an astounding stream of commission from the aristocracy and his output of portraits

during these years was truly phenomenal.
Van dyck was said to be attracted to women, “he was tall and well proportioned as well as blond with fair complexioned” wrote his biographer.
In March 1634, Van Dyck returned to Antwerp to visit his family, and bought some property near the Chateau de Steen, the country residence that Ruben purchased the following year before his death in 1640.

Van Dyck , after the death of Ruben made repeated trips to and from his native town, anxious to claim his position as the leading painter in Flanders. Unfortunately, events overtook him and he died in London in 1641. Before his death , in January 1941, he travelled to Paris hoping to gain a major commission from Louis XIII, who was planning to decorate the principal gallery in the Louver, which he was unsuccessful and went back to London
On 9th of December 1641 Van Dycke died from too much pressure from work, his daughter, Justinana, was baptised the same day.
Above are some of Van Dyck paintings.