In focus: Anthony van Dyck

Designed to complement Stories of Art: 1600–1700, this In Focus session with art historian Jo Walton reveals how Anthony Van Dyck’s mastery of light, texture and poise revolutionised English portraiture and reshaped royal image-making.

In the 1630s, in London, a bright new star burst upon London’s artistic scene. Having worked in both Flanders and Italy and briefly visited England a decade before, Van Dyck brought his remarkable talents to the court of King Charles I, immortalising the King, his family and courtiers with a grace and sophistication never before seen in England.

Van Dyck had trained in his native Antwerp and worked in the studio of Peter Paul Rubens, a painter renowned across the courts of Europe. With an uncanny ability to paint silks and satins, lace and velvet, Van Dyck’s portraits brought the Italianate legacy of Titian and the panache of Rubens to the elite patrons of London. Who could resist the chance to be painted by such a Master? With delicate flattery, such as smoothing out the projecting teeth of the Queen, flamboyant garments and exquisite settings, Van Dyck revolutionised portraiture in England.

Today, his influence endures in Britain from the halls of the National Gallery to the countless Van Dycks that still grace Britain’s country houses. In this session, we’ll trace the evolution of his style, explore his mythological and biblical paintings, and consider how his portraits helped to forge a powerful image of monarchy, one later undone by the political reality of the English Civil War.

Jo Walton has lectured for The Arts Society for over 15 years, specialising in the art and architecture of the Italian Renaissance, as well as aspects of British 20th-century painting and sculpture. She has also worked extensively with The Art Fund, The Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery and local art groups around the UK and was a volunteer guide at Tate Britain and Tate Modern for over a decade.

Can't make the session but don't want to miss out? No problem, you can watch again.

The session is recorded and made available to you for 2 weeks.

A video of the week's lecture will be uploaded and available for you to watch via your National Gallery account on Friday.

This is an online ticketed course hosted on Zoom. Please book a ticket to access the course.

Only one ticket can be booked per account.

You will be emailed an E-ticket with instructions on how to access the course via your National Gallery account. All course information including your Zoom link, weekly handouts, and recordings will be available here.