The artwork “James Stuart, Duke of Lennox and Richmond” was painted by Anthony van Dyck in 1633. This oil on canvas is a fine example of the Baroque art movement, measuring 215.9 by 127.6 centimeters. It is a portrait genre painting and is currently located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, United States.
The artwork demonstrates a regal portrait of James Stuart, displaying the aristocratic poise and elegance typical of the period. The subject stands confidently, his hand resting lightly on his hip, while the other lightly grasps the head of an accompanying dog, indicating his status and companionship with the animal. He is dressed in the fashion of the time, wearing a black cloak adorned with a white feather on his left shoulder, a lace collar, and breeches, contrasted with light-colored stockings and black shoes with rosettes.
His hair falls in gentle curls around his face, which is depicted with a soft, almost delicate finesse, reflecting the artist’s ability to capture the dignity and character of his sitter. There is a rich interplay of textures from the satiny sheen of James’s cloak to the wisps of his hair and the smooth coat of the dog, all executed with the skilled brushwork of van Dyck. The background of the portrait, albeit subdued, contributes to the grandeur and focus on the duke, with a darker draped curtain on one side providing a sense of depth and context to the overall composition.
