Anthony VAN DYCK
Flemish 1599-1641
Philip Herbert, 4th Earl of Pembroke
c.1634
oil on canvas
105.0 x 83.0 cm
Felton Bequest 1938
457-4

Anthony Van Dyck became the most fashionable portrait painter of the seventeenth century, working for wealthy and powerful clients in many European cities. In 1632 Charles I invited him to London to paint the Royal Family and court circle. Van Dyck made numerous visits to England until his death there in 1641.

His lasting impact on English portraiture was to bring to it Flemish influences as well as his deep understanding of Italian traditions and styles. He introduced dynamic compositions and he set a high technical standard, particularly for fabric painting, which influenced the British artists who followed him.

Philip Herbert, 4th Earl of Pembroke, Lord Chamberlain, was about 50 years old when this portrait was painted. He is shown wearing the blue ribbon of the Order of the Garter and holding the wand of office of Lord Chamberlain. Pembroke was a generous patron of the arts, owning a considerable painting collection.