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Lot Essay
This lively head study was used by van Dyck for the head of Saint Anthony in his Vision of Saint Anthony of Padua, a major altarpiece thought to have been commissioned by the Infanta Isabella for her Palace Chapel, and now in the Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan (fig. 1). The altarpiece is generally dated to 1629, shortly after van Dyck's return to Antwerp from Italy.
This picture is consistent with van Dyck's practice of making direct observational studies from live models for use in his large-scale history and religious paintings, and its original function was no doubt not lost on the two great English portraitists - Reynolds and Lawrence, who are its first documented owners.
Although Horst Vey did not accept the attribution of the head study, admitting that it only 'bears a resemblance to the head of Saint Anthony', most scholars today, including Dr. Christopher Brown, fully endorse its autograph status.
This picture is consistent with van Dyck's practice of making direct observational studies from live models for use in his large-scale history and religious paintings, and its original function was no doubt not lost on the two great English portraitists - Reynolds and Lawrence, who are its first documented owners.
Although Horst Vey did not accept the attribution of the head study, admitting that it only 'bears a resemblance to the head of Saint Anthony', most scholars today, including Dr. Christopher Brown, fully endorse its autograph status.