Self-Portrait

Anthony van Dyck

ca. 1620–21 · Oil on canvas · European Paintings

Lifting a languid hand to his chin, the young Van Dyck presents himself as an aristocrat, excluding any signs of his trade such as a palette and brushes. This self-portrait probably dates from the artist’s stay at the English court during the winter of 1620–21, an experience that left a lasting impact on his art and self-presentation. Shortly afterward, Van Dyck traveled to Italy, where his predilection for fine dress and aristocratic manners drew both admiration and scorn from fellow artists.

Artist

Anthony van Dyck

Date

ca. 1620–21

Medium

Oil on canvas

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

The Jules Bache Collection, 1949