James Stuart (1612–1655), Duke of Richmond and Lennox

Anthony van Dyck

ca. 1633–35 · Oil on canvas · European Paintings

Van Dyck depicts the duke of Richmond and Lennox as a paragon of aristocratic self-possession and nonchalance. With a fashionable blond “lovelock” spilling over his lace collar, the duke wears the insignia of the Order of the Garter, England’s highest order of chivalry. The portrait may commemorate his receiving this honor in November 1633. The greyhound resting its muzzle on the duke’s hip alludes to the virtue of loyalty as well as the aristocratic pastime of the hunt.

Artist

Anthony van Dyck

Date

ca. 1633–35

Medium

Oil on canvas

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

Marquand Collection, Gift of Henry G. Marquand, 1889