The Apostle Judas Thaddeus
Anthony van Dyck·1620
Historical Context
The Apostle Judas Thaddeus from 1620, one of Van Dyck's earliest works, demonstrates his precocious ability as a religious painter even before his career as a portraitist fully developed. The apostle series shows the influence of his master Rubens. Van Dyck's portraits defined aristocratic self-presentation across Europe, his elongated elegance and atmospheric painting technique establishing a model for formal portraiture that dominated British art until the nineteenth century.
Technical Analysis
Van Dyck renders the apostle with dramatic lighting and the vigorous brushwork of his early Antwerp manner, showing the influence of Rubens in the powerful physical presence and warm palette.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the dramatic lighting and vigorous brushwork of Van Dyck's early Antwerp manner showing the influence of Rubens.
- ◆Look at the powerful physical presence and warm palette in this 1620 apostle from his earliest works.
- ◆Observe Van Dyck's precocious ability as a religious painter even before his career as a portraitist fully developed.
