Anthony van Dyck: master of refinement and elegance

OVL-Dendermonde-OLVkerk-Van Dyck Aanbidding x054102
Herita - Lucid

Anyone getting their own atelier with Rubens at the age of sixteen is cut from the best painter’s wood. The master considered Van Dyck to be his very best student. Together they form the defining painters of the baroque.

What is remarkable about Van Dyck is his technique, which – like Titian – is characterised by fast and visible brushstrokes. With the emotive expressions of his characters and his mastery in foreshortened perspective, he influenced numerous artists.

Van Dyck was active throughout Europe. He learned the craft with Rubens and then went to Italy to work at the court of Duke Charles Emanuel of Savoy. His success in Italy laid the foundations for his career in England, where he was knighted as the court painter of King Charles I.

The iconic portraits of Van Dyck are unique in European art history. Like no other, he balanced the aristocratic with the informal and incorporated sublime architectural backgrounds and fabrics. His master tour takes you to Ghent, Dendermonde, Kortrijk and Zaventem, and you can also find traces of the master in Antwerp and Mechelen. 

Discover the Flemish Master in these places

Saint Michael’s Church, Ghent

Even though no information exists about Van Dyck’s stay in Ghent, you can admire top pieces by the master in several churches. For example, Christ on the Cross is one of his most iconic works. The contrast between the dramatic, dark cloud cover, the ashen Christ and the colourful bystanders enhances the emotional intensity of the scene.

Tip

Would you like to see more Van Dyck in Ghent? Then visit the Museum of Fine Arts. There you can admire Jupiter and Antiope, a work in which Van Dyck displayed all his virtuosity in painting nudes and precious fabrics. The painter was very successful with this piece and even his teacher Rubens possessed a copy of it.

Sint-Michielskerk Gent
Art in Flanders
Sint-Michielskerk

Church of Our Lady, Dendermonde

Before Van Dyck studied with Rubens, he spent some time in Dendermonde. That’s why the master’s work can also be admired there. There are two paintings in this church: Adoration of the Shepherds and Christ on the cross.

Tip

Along the way, you come across the statue of Franz Courtens. In the town hall of Dendermonde, you can admire five of his paintings. The Baron was leader of the Dendermonde School, a group of painters who enjoy international fame for their wonderful landscapes.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk in Dendermonde
Sonja De Bruyne
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

Church of Our Lady, Kortrijk

The raising of the cross is a remarkable work by Van Dyck. This dynamic altarpiece, rich in drama and emotion, is clearly inspired by his stay in Italy. The influence of teacher Rubens is also noticeable, although Van Dyck resolutely went his own way. 

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk Kortrijk
P.M.R. Maeyaert (CC Wikimedia)
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

St. Martin’s Church, Zaventem

A remarkable legend is attached to the painting St. Martin Dividing his Cloak. On his way to Italy, Van Dyck stopped in Zaventem, where he met Isabella van Ophem. This beautiful woman stole the heart of the young painter who, in this painting, portrayed himself as St. Martin. As a memento for his beloved. 

Zaventem_Sint-Martinuskerk(c)Eva Bruyninckx
(c)Eva Bruyninckx
Sint-Martinuskerk

The footsteps of Van Dyck can also be followed in Antwerp and Mechelen

Antwerp pays many tributes to its famous son. His statue stands at the beginning of the Meir, the city's largest shopping thoroughfare.

Some excellent restaurants have borrowed their name from the great painter. A visit to the Antoon Van Dyck brasserie, located in the splendid city party hall, is more than worthwhile.

If you enjoy eating in starred restaurants, you will certainly be welcome in Sir Anthony Van Dyck. For the restaurant’s fiftieth anniversary, chef Jöran De Backer and hostess Natalie Wuestenbergs published a book of stories and recipes that is for sale in the restaurant.

In Mechelen, Van Dyck’s work can be found in the most imposing place of all: St. Rumbold’s Cathedral. Christ on the Cross is a poignant painting, rightly included in the Flemish list of top pieces. In terms of composition, it resembles Le coup de lance by his teacher Rubens, but otherwise this key work is vintage Van Dyck. This is evident, for example, in the powerful emotion in the portrayal of the suffering. 

Mechelen_Sint-Romboutskathedraal - Antoon Van Dyck - Christus aan het kruis © KIK-IRPA
© KIK-IRPA

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