6. Anthony Van Dyck, 1599-1641
Charles I
Van
Dyck lifted "grand manner"
portraiture to its apogee. This
portrayal of the King of England
gives us the very essence of aristocratic
refinement. The pose, the costume,
the hauteur in the glancehere we have the princely manner
unsurpassed. The two supporting
figures and the magnificent horse
reinforce the king's dominance.
Everything in the composition revolves
around the monarch, including the
clouds in the sky, the foliage of
the tree and the foreground landscape.
Van
Dyck is really "the painter's
painter." His masterly technique
rewards study. The elegant folds
in the king's left sleeve convey
the shimmering effect of satin;
the red velvet breeches offer convincing
contrast. The boots are a marvel
of draftsmanship and style. The
beautifully rendered horse bows
in submission to the monarch.
Louvre Museum, Paris
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