Portrait of Charles I, King of England, Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 – London 1641) Follower of

Portrait of Charles I, King of England (1600-49)

Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 – London 1641) Follower of

Oil on canvas (93 x 86 cm. – Framed 131 x 124)

We share a valuable work, an oil painting on canvas which recalls the famous ''Portrait of Charles I of England on horseback' created by Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 – London 1641) in 1633; It is a masterpiece of baroque art which stands out for its majestic composition and still belongs to the British royal art collection and is kept in Windsor Castle (picture 1).

In 1632 Van Dyck arrived in London, where he was elected court painter to King Charles I Stuart, King of England, his main patron and at the same time a great collector sensitive to contemporary art.

In addition to the sovereign's boundless love for art, Charles also saw it as a powerful means of political propaganda, especially in difficult years such as those just before the civil war.

Van Dyck portrayed the sovereign on numerous occasions, both surrounded by his family, with his wife Enrichetta, and alone. The most ambitious are undoubtedly the paintings of the equestrian series, where the artist offered a proud and majestic image of an absolute monarch: in addition to the mentioned painting, Van Dyck painted two other important portraits of the king on horseback: 'Charles I on horseback ' (1636, National Gallery, London), 'Le Roi à la Chasse' (c. 1635, Paris, Louvre)

Such portraits see Charles I on horseback on an unprecedented scale, as ruler, warrior and knight, in the long tradition of Ancient and Renaissance equestrian monuments. And our canvas takes up its structure, although it makes several customizations, with the ruler crossing a triumphal arch, wearing parade armor and holding the military command staff in his hand while riding a splendid white horse.

These elements, in addition to the display of the large coat of arms bearing the symbols of the Stuart royal dynasty, reinforce his image as the ruler of Great Britain, while the king's refined features, loose hair and his gentle and thoughtful expression convey the impression of a chivalrous knight.

It is our opinion that the painting presented here, finely executed with its effective composition, is the work of a Flemish author, active between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, to be sought among the followers of Anthony van Dyck, reworking his masterpiece with great mastery;

The success of the work favored its widespread diffusion, so much so that today numerous paintings are known to have been created by artists from Van Dyck's circle/workshop or those active in a moment immediately following the creation of the canvas, to satisfy some client eager to possess for their residences the effigy of the monarch as a clear sign of loyalty to the sovereign dynasty.

image 1
Antoon van Dyck, Portrait of Charles I with M. de Saint-Antonie his riding master, 1636, oil on canvas, 370 x 270 cm., Windsor Castle
Url: https://www.rct.uk/collection/405322/charles-i-1600-1649-with-m-de-st-antoine

State of conservation: the painting is in a good state of conservation with a restoration present near the background landscape

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work sold is complete with a splendid frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

Follow us also on:

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/