Rubens' Influence on Anthony van Dyck
Sir Anthony van Dyck was among the most important Flemish Baroque artists of the 17th century. He was born in Antwerp in 1599 and by the age of 10 had been apprenticed to an Antwerp painter, Hendrik van Balen. In February 1618, before the age of 19 years, van Dyck was accepted as a master into the Antwerp Painters’ Guild of Saint Luke. At that time he also served for 2 years as an assistant to the great master, Peter Paul Rubens. Rubens had an unmistakable influence on the young van Dyck referring to him as ‘the best of my pupils’. Rubens sub-contracted artists as well as his workshop and used the talents of van Dyck on some of his larger works during this time. Ruben’s painting Coup de lance is one example where van Dyck’s work can be found.
While working under Rubens, van Dyck’s work gained a fluency and grace which was conferred on every subject. His paintings during this period have a composition and color that replicate Rubens’ Baroque work.
After having worked with Rubens, in 1621 van Dyck traveled to Italy where he studied the great masters and then moved on to London. Van Dyck eventually became the leading court painter in England. The painting that has won van Dyck the most recognition is his portrait of King Charles I of England and Scotland.