Joannes Malderus, Bishop of Antwerp 

Anthony van Dyck, a leading portrait painter of the 17th century, created this portrait of Joannes Malderus, Bishop of Antwerp. The painting is a fine example of van Dyck's ability to capture the dignity and gravitas of his sitters. The Bishop's attire, with the mitre and cassock, signifies his high office, while his thoughtful expression and holding a book suggest his intellectual pursuits. Van Dyck's mastery of light and shadow create a sense of depth and realism.