Anthony Van Dyck (Hardcover)

by Christopher Brown (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Coinciding with the 1999 exhibitions of his paintings in Antwerp and London, Anthony van Dyck: 1599-1641 celebrates the 400th anniversary of the birth of the celebrated Flemish painter. Van Dyck is perhaps best known for his religious paintings, which are outstanding examples of the Baroque style, and he is also considered one of the greatest portrait painters in an age of exceptional portraitists. He revolutionized royal portraiture in England by introducing more dynamic compositions, often incorporating the dramatic presence of a draped curtain leading out into a natural vista and open skies. Born in Antwerp to a wealthy merchant family, van Dyck began to paint at the age of 10 and had already earned the privilege of studying with Peter Paul Rubens by the time he was a teenager. He shared a workshop with Jan Brueghel the Younger, and his contemporaries included Poussin, Lorrain, and Velázquez. Later he would become court painter for King James of England, as well as for Charles I, and he immortalized their key subjects during the charged era of the English Civil War. He had a special talent for depicting his regal subjects with a relaxed elegance not seen in the more formal portraiture that had preceded him. And his ability to paint sumptuous fabrics is almost unparalleled.

This large, stately, cloth-covered hardback contains over 100 of van Dyck's masterpieces, including rarely seen works. Its 359 pages are lavishly illustrated with quality full-color reproductions, including painting details and preliminary drawings. A chronology, descriptions of each work, and essays by prominent scholars in the field make this the most authoritative volume on the artist to date. --A.C. Smith

From Library Journal
An exhibition catalog marking the 400th anniversary of the Flemish artist's birth, this is the first substantial English-language treatment since the Washington exhibition in 1990. Curatorial authors cover the chronological and geographic span of Van Dyck's brief life in 90 pages of essays, from his birth in Antwerp to his study with Rubens, years in Genoa, return to Antwerp and religious painting, and final years as chronicler of the Stuart court of Charles I in England. The authors write briefly and accessibly but without breaking new ground. The bulk of the book is detailed entries, chronologically arranged, on the 100-plus pictures in the exhibition, held in London and Antwerp. There are a generous number of comparative illustrations, though the plates are rather harshly colored, and each entry has full scholarly apparatus. Overall, this is a good visual summary of Van Dyck's life and work for public and academic art history collections.AJack Perry Brown, Art Inst. of Chicago Lib.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications; Unknown edition (July 16, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 084782196X
• ISBN-13: 978-0847821969
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #844,904 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great catalogue, September 8, 2006

By	Marlow "Marlow" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anthony Van Dyck (Hardcover)

This book presents a great overview of Van Dyck's work. The reproductions are clear, and the commentary is helpful. Brown also provides insightful commentary regarding the influence of Rubens' work on Van Dyck. Highly recommended.

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing reproductions, August 14, 2007

By	M. Shi "painter" (ga usa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was really disappointed when I received the book. Most reproductions are washed out and I kept wondering if I would love this Van Dyck's work any more if his paintings look like that. I've seen many originals and their reproductions in this book are too bad for a serious catalog.

8 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an incredible painter, a fantastic exhibition., November 5, 1999

By	roger peltzman ([e-mail]) (nyc) - See all my reviews

One of the greatest painters of all time is well represented by his greatest paintings in this exhibition and hence - this catalog. Be prepared to be amazed by a painter of prodigious talent.