The Triple Portrait of Charles I, a painting by the Flemish artist Sir Anthony van Dyck, is one of the most iconic paintings to ever grace the walls of royalty. This oil painting was painted between 1635-1636 as portrayed Charles I of England. As part of the Royal Collection, it emphasizes strength and purpose as a leader. Van Dyck’s work also consists of ‘Charles I at the Hunt’ which displays a portrait painted in oil on canvas measuring 2.66 x 2.07 m; this was probably completed during the second half of 1635. Moreover, Charles I expressed his hope to Lorenzo Bernini in 17 March 1636 that he would execute ‘Il Nostro Ritratto in Marmo’.
Anthony Van Dyck’s works have an incredible presence rich with detail and grandeur, showing that power and poise can be achieved with artistry and skillful technique. Furthermore, this painting reflects similar characteristics to other iconic artworks such as Paolo Uccello’s Saint George and The Dragon which was painted c. 1455-1460; this is especially displayed through complicated structure and meaningful symbolism placed behind each layer of every brush stroke. With these two masterpieces from two different masters reflecting a different culture each, one can only ponder how strong their visual effects still are to this day.
