Helena Tromper Du Bois
Anthony van Dyck·c. 1631
Historical Context
Helena Tromper Du Bois was painted by Van Dyck around 1631, during his period as court painter to Charles I in London but while also maintaining connections to the Southern Netherlands. Van Dyck, who had trained in Rubens's workshop, became the most influential portrait painter of the 17th century, establishing a model of aristocratic portraiture that endured for two centuries. His elegant, refined style set the standard for English portrait painting.
Technical Analysis
Van Dyck's portrait shows his characteristic elegant elongation of the figure and refined handling of fabrics. The palette is cooler and more restrained than Rubens's, with silvery highlights on the costume and a delicate, luminous treatment of the face.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice Van Dyck's characteristic elegant elongation of the figure and refined handling of fabrics in this c. 1631 portrait.
- ◆Look at the cooler, more restrained palette compared to Rubens, with silvery highlights on the costume.
- ◆Observe the delicate, luminous treatment of the face — Van Dyck established a model of aristocratic portraiture that endured for two centuries.
