Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641) has been described as the greatest painter in 17th century Britain. Though born and trained in Antwerp, he had a huge impact on British cultural life as the principal painter at King Charles I’s court. Following a brief visit to London in 1620-21 he returned in 1632 and remained here for the majority of the time until his premature death at the age of 42. He was working in a period of intense political ferment during the run-up to the British Civil War and portrayed many of the leading characters of the period. His iconic portraits of King Charles I have shaped our view of the Stuart monarchy. This lecture will look at the life and works of Van Dyck, focusing particularly on works produced during his period in England. 

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Rosalind Whyte is well known to our group. She has a BA and MA from Goldsmith’s College, and an MA (distinction) from Birkbeck College. She's an experienced guide at Tate Britain, Tate Modern, the Royal Academy and Greenwich. Rosalind lectures at Tate, to independent art societies and on cruises.