Anthony van Dyck: The Making of a Master

How religious paintings influenced portraiture

Anthony van Dyck’s early focus on religious subjects informed his later innovations in portait painting. "Samson and Delilah," 1628–1630, by Anthony van Dyck. Oil on canvas. Museum of Fine Arts, Vienna. Public Domain

For both art and history lovers, the name of Anthony van Dyck and the royal court of England’s King Charles I are inseparable. Few artists have historically influenced the popular image of a particular era as much as van Dyck. While it is taken for granted that the relationship between artist and king is a small part of van Dyck’s story, his varied career and broader artistic significance is too often overlooked.

Self-portrait of Sir Anthony van Dyck, circa 1640. Oil on canvas. National Portrait Gallery, London. Public Domain