Lord John Stewart and Lord Bernard Stewart by Anthony Van Dyck

Written about 1638, the portrait of the two Stuart brothers before their departure abroad can be considered the pinnacle of the art of the ceremonial portrait. Everything in him is beautiful, everything is for show. Lord John Stewart and Lord Bernard Stewart are the artistically expressed quintessence of aristocratic arrogance. Elongated figures, luxurious clothes, intricate hairstyles – the very embodiment of self-confidence and the inviolability of their privileges.

John Stewart calmly stands on the stairs, his hand on her parapet. Lord Bernard’s pose is arrogant; one of his legs is on the steps of the staircase, his hand supports the blue, silver-cloaked cloak, the face is edged with carefully curled locks. The Triumph of the Stuart brothers was not long, both were lost during the English Revolution.