Portrait of Charles I, King of England (1600 - 49)

Oil on canvas

93 x 86 cm

Framed 131 x 124

We are sharing a valuable work, an oil on canvas painting of the famous 'Portrait of Charles I of England on Horseback' by Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 - London 1641) painted in 1633; it is a masterpiece of Baroque art that stands out for its majestic composition still belonging to the British Royal Art Collection and housed in Windsor Castle (image 1).

In 1632 Van Dyck arrived in London, where he was elected court painter to King Charles I Stuart, King of England, his main patron and at the same time a great collector sensitive to contemporary art.

In addition to the sovereign's boundless love for art, Charles also saw it as a powerful means of political propaganda, especially in the difficult years just before the civil war.

Van Dyck portrayed the sovereign on numerous occasions, both surrounded by his family, with his wife Enrichetta, and alone. The most ambitious are undoubtedly the paintings of the equestrian series, where the artist offered a proud and majestic image of an absolute monarch: in addition to the painting mentioned above, Van Dyck painted two other important portraits of the king on horseback: 'Charles I on Horseback' (1636, National Gallery, London), 'Le Roi à la Chasse' (c. 1635, Paris, Louvre)

These portraits see Charles I on horseback on an unprecedented scale, as sovereign, warrior and knight, in the long tradition of ancient and Renaissance equestrian monuments. And our canvas echoes its structure, although it makes several personalisations, with the ruler riding through a triumphal arch, wearing parade armour and holding the baton of military command while riding a splendid white horse.

These elements, in addition to the display of the great coat of arms bearing the symbols of the Stuart royal dynasty, reinforce his image as the ruler of Great Britain, while the king's refined features, loose hair and gentle, thoughtful expression convey the impression of a chivalrous knight.

We are of the opinion that the painting presented here, finely executed with its effective composition, is the work of a Flemish artist, active between the 17th and 18th century, to be found among the followers of Anthony van Dyck, who masterfully reworked his masterpiece;

The success of the work favoured its widespread diffusion, so much so that numerous paintings are known to have been executed by artists from Van Dyck's circle/shop or active at a time immediately after the canvas was created, to please some patrons who wished to have the effigy of the monarch for their residences as a clear sign of loyalty to the sovereign dynasty.

imm.1

Antoon van Dyck, Portrait of Charles I with M. de Saint-Antonie his riding master, 1636, oil on canvas, 370 x 270 cm, Windsor Castle

Url: https://www.rct.uk/collection/405322/charles-i-1600-1649-with-m-de-st-antoine

Conservation status: the painting is in a good state of preservation with some restoration present near the background landscape

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work sold is complete with a beautiful frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.

We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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