Portret van Anthony van Dyck 1682

This is Nicolas de Larmessin’s print of Anthony van Dyck. Made in France in the 17th century, it gives us insight into the cultural status of the artist during this time. In its visual codes, Larmessin’s portrait elevates the status of the artist. Note van Dyck’s aristocratic clothing, lace collar, and the knight’s chain, all of which suggest the social mobility of artists in the 17th century. The inscription reads "D. Antonivs. Van Dyck. Eqves", which translates as “Sir Anthony van Dyck, Knight”. Van Dyck worked in the service of the Stuart court in England, suggesting that he, like other artists, was tied to political power. But the image also draws on classical notions of genius that separate van Dyck from his aristocratic contemporaries. The pose and setting are simple, emphasizing van Dyck’s creative intellect. To better understand this artwork, look to primary sources from the period, such as letters, and also institutional records of the French Royal Academy. These resources help us to understand the social role of art in 17th-century Europe.