Henri II de Lorraine c. 1634

Anthony van Dyck painted Henri II de Lorraine using oil on canvas. Look closely, and you’ll see an emphasis on the materials of Henri’s clothing. The lace collar, the silk breeches, and velvet cloak are all rendered in exquisite detail, almost shimmering on the canvas. Van Dyck masterfully employs the fluidity of oil paint to mimic the softness and drape of the fabrics. These were high-status materials, and took many hours of labour to produce. It's worth considering the social context here: Van Dyck was a highly sought-after portraitist among the European aristocracy. Painting was a key tool in their self-fashioning. This artwork also exemplifies a relationship between art and craft, where the painting immortalizes the skilled labor of spinners, weavers, dyers, and tailors, all essential to maintaining Henri’s aristocratic status. This portrait is thus a product of collective, if highly stratified, creativity. Ultimately, this portrait invites us to consider the collaborative processes behind it. By appreciating the materials and the making, we gain a deeper understanding of the artwork and the world it represents.