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Charles I in Three Positions
Anthony van Dyck·1635
Historical Context
Van Dyck painted Charles I in Three Positions in 1635-36, a triple portrait showing the king's face from three angles. The painting was sent to Gian Lorenzo Bernini in Rome to serve as the model for a marble bust of the king. Bernini reportedly remarked upon seeing the painting that the face suggested a man doomed to misfortune, a prescient observation given Charles's subsequent execution. The portrait is one of the most famous paintings in the Royal Collection.
Technical Analysis
The innovative composition arranges three views of the king's face side by side, creating a comprehensive record of his features. Van Dyck's refined handling captures subtle differences of expression and angle that give the portrait remarkable psychological depth.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the innovative triple portrait showing the king from three angles — created to serve as a model for Bernini's marble bust in Rome.
- ◆Look at the subtle differences of expression and angle across the three views, giving the portrait remarkable psychological depth.
- ◆Observe that Bernini reportedly remarked the face suggested a man doomed to misfortune — a prescient observation given Charles's subsequent execution in 1649.
