FIFTY MASTERPIECES OF ANTHONY VAN DYCK by Max Rooses - 1900 - Paintings - Art

This scarce antiquarian book is the original printed in 1900. The edges to the pages are “rough cut” otherwise known as “deckle edge” - see photographs. The hardback cover is in very good condition and the structural composition of the book is very good. The top of the book spine has expected signs of age. The hardcover shows limited signs of shelf life. The printed pages are in very good condition and each of the pictures on a page is protected by ‘tissue guard’ paper.

The book contains 50 of his masterpieces exhibited at the Antwerp Exhibition 1899.

Van Dyck is best known for his portraits of the aristocracy, most notably Charles I, and his family and associates. Van Dyck became the dominant influence on English portrait-painting for the next 150 years.

He also painted mythological and biblical subjects, including altarpieces, displayed outstanding facility as a draughtsman, and was an important innovator in watercolour and etching. His superb brushwork, apparently rather quickly painted, can usually be distinguished from the large areas painted by his many assistants. His portrait style changed considerably between the different countries he worked in, culminating in the relaxed elegance of his last English period. His influence extends into the modern period.

The Van Dyke beard is named after him. During his lifetime, Charles I granted him a knighthood, and he was buried in St Paul's Cathedral, an indication of his standing at the time of his death.