Anthony Van Dyck

Anthonis van Dyck – Student of Hendrick van Balen and Peter Paul Rubens

Anthonis van Dyck was born on 22 March 1599 in Antwerp. The seventh child of a wealthy fabric dealer, his pronounced drawing talent was exhibited at an early age and at the age of ten he became a student of the painter Hendrick van Balen. His tutor specialised in the motifs of classical mythology which he elegantly executed in small format and sold to collectors of the Antwerp middle classes. Van Dyck’s early work showed clear influences from his teacher, and he retained a certain tendency towards mythological and religious scenes in his later years. At the age of 19, the young Flemish artist was already accepted into the Antwerp Painter’s Guild and joined the circle around Peter Paul Rubens in whose studio he often worked. Rubens’ clients included Thomas Howard, the 21st Earl of Arundel, a great connoisseur and patron of art, and who was particularly impressed by the young painter’s talent. 

Artistic success in England; study trip to Italy

Anthonis van Dyck, whom Rubens praised in letters as his best student, travelled in 1620 upon invitation of Thomas Howard to England for the first time. Here he entered the service of King James I und painted the portraits of important court figures. This opened for him the door to the wealthy houses of England and thus also to the important painting collections. Van Dyck used this opportunity to study the Italian Renaissance masters at great length which led him consequently on a five-year educational journey to Italy in the 1620s. Masters such as Titian and Paolo Veronese suppressed Rubens’ influence and significantly shaped van Dyck’s painting style. He visited the already aged painter Sofonisba Anguissola and painter her portrait. In 1627, the artist finally returned to his hometown of Antwerp where he joined a Jesuit lay brotherhood and renewed his friendship with his teacher Peter Paul Rubens. During this period, he created numerous religious scenes and altarpieces. 

Sensitive portraits delighted the European nobility

Over his artistic career, Anthonis van Dyck created around 280 portraits, including many crowned figures. At the royal court in The Hague, he painted Frederick Hendrick von Oranien and his wife Amalia von Solms. The Archduchess Isabella appointed him as her court painter and awarded him a yearly gratuity of 250 Gilda. However, Van Dyck did not move to Brussels, but remained living in Antwerp. In 1632, the artist returned to England where he crowned his illustrious career as court painter to King Charles I and was eventually knighted. He was very well connected in the international art scene and counted artistic personalities such as David Beck and Jan Brueghel the Younger amongst his friends. Anthonis van Dyck distinguished himself in his much-praised portraiture above all by his sensitive perception and lively portrayal of the respective personalities. 

Anthonis van Dyck died on 9 December 1641 in London.