Philippe Le Roy
1630
Van Dyck was the ultimate master of making black look expensive, and here he proves it by draping Philippe Le Roy in layers of dark velvet that seem to absorb the light while the stark white lace collar pops out like fresh snow. The subject stands with a casual, swaggering elegance, one hand resting affectionately on a loyal greyhound that gazes up at him with pure adoration. That specific facial hair style—the mustache and pointed beard—is actually called a 'Van Dyck beard' today because this artist popularized the look at the English court. The dog isn't just a pet; it's a symbol of nobility and faithfulness, a classic trick Van Dyck used to make his subjects look effortlessly cool and powerful without trying too hard.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
- Material
- Canvas
Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.