Artwork

Saint Anthony of Padua

Saint Anthony of Padua, by Anthony van Dyck, oil, 1632
Saint Anthony of Padua, by Anthony van Dyck, oil, 1632

Saint Anthony of Padua is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Anthony van Dyck. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

About this work

Overview

Anthony van Dyck's 'Saint Anthony of Padua' is a 1632 oil painting held in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. It exemplifies the Flemish Baroque style, characteristic of the artist's work.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Anthony of Padua, a revered religious figure, dressed in a brown robe and sandals, holding the Christ child. The serene atmosphere and the subject's upward gaze convey devotion and spirituality.

Technique & Style

Van Dyck's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, while the loose-fitting robe and the play of light on the subject's face and the child's halo add to the painting's dimensionality and emotional impact.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1632 by Anthony van Dyck, a Flemish artist trained under Peter Paul Rubens, 'Saint Anthony of Padua' is now part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Anthony van Dyck

Artist

Anthony van Dyck

Sir Anthony van Dyck (; Dutch: Antoon van Dijck ; 22 March 1599 – 9 December 1641) was a Flemish Baroque artist, who became the leading court painter in England after success in the Spanish Netherlands and Italy.