Anthony Van Dyck (Anthonie Van Dyck) was born on Monday, March 22, 1599 in Antwerp and he was a famous painter from Belgium. He was a Flemish Baroque artist who became the leading court painter in England. He is most famous for his portraits of King Charles I of England and Scotland and his family and court, painted with a relaxed elegance that was to be the dominant influence on English portrait-painting for the next 150 years. He also painted biblical and mythological subjects, displayed outstanding facility as a draftsman, and was an important innovator in watercolour and etching. Self Portrait With a Sunflower by teh artist shows the gold collar and medal King Charles1 gave him in 1633. The sunflower may represent the king, or royal patronage.
