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 there 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.