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Thomas Killigrew and William, Lord Crofts (?)
Anthony van Dyck·1638
Historical Context
Thomas Killigrew and William, Lord Crofts from 1638 is a remarkable double portrait of two courtiers in an unusually informal pose. Killigrew was a playwright and theatre manager, and the painting's unconventional composition reflects the creative freedom of the Caroline court. 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 two men with striking informality, using the intimate grouping and relaxed poses to create a portrait of friendship and courtly camaraderie quite different from his more formal commissions.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the unusually informal pose — a remarkable departure from Van Dyck's more formal commissions.
- ◆Look at the intimate grouping and relaxed poses creating a portrait of friendship and courtly camaraderie.
- ◆Observe the playwright Thomas Killigrew with Lord Crofts — the unconventional composition reflecting the creative freedom of the Caroline court.
