(In the Louvre)
Certainly the finest portrait of Charles I. in existence. It shows Van
Dyck in his most attractive aspect as a painter of the aristocracy.
Executed before the marked decline in his technical powers, which
marred, from an artistic standpoint, the later pictures of his English
period, it yet possesses the dignity and distinction he knew so well
how to infuse in portraying the nobility of our country. It is one of
the best examples of the artist's powers as a colourist, and as such
will bear comparison with the productions of the mighty Venetians.
[Illustration: Plate I.]
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