Portrait of James Stewart by Anthony Van Dyck

In the heyday of his work, the best Flemish portraitist Antonis Van Dyke worked at the court of King Charles I. He created a gallery of portraits of the English nobility, among them – Portrait of James Stewart, Duke of Lennox and Richmond.

This is the ceremonial image: the silver star is embroidered on the cousin of the royal cousin, indicating that before us is the Chevalier of the Order of the Garter. He stands in a proud posture, imprinted in full height, and so that the viewer looks at Stuart a little from below. But how much good-humored humor is in the way Van Dyck saw this aristocrat! The artist emphasizes the long figure of the portrayed artist by the elongated format of the picture and by the fact that he brings the frame close to the picture to the left and right.

Next to him, the artist agreed to write his favorite dog – also tall and lanky. Still, the portrait is covered with incredible warmth: as Stuart tried to give his face a cold and arrogant expression, usual for official portraits, nothing happened. He bribes the viewer with his charm and kindness.