A wonderfully detailed and charismatic portrait, this exquisite work illustrates the technical mastery and artistic vision of Van Dyck. Ioannes Baptista Barbe's stately yet approachable expression reflects Van Dyck''s refined ability to comfort and relax his subjects, resulting in a realistic and acute portrait. Barbe was a prominent Flemish engraver who studied at the studio of Philippe Galle (1537 - 1612). He traveled throughout Italy to improve his skill in drawing, which perhaps accounts for his accuracy in design. Bolswert strongly hints at Barbe's personality in this portrait, conveying him as a unique figure with a large nose, creased forehead, sparkling eyes, and a hint of a smile upon his lips.

This portrait is a Mauquoy-Hendrickx State VI (of VIII) before the Giles Hendrickx edition, engraved by S.a Bolswert (Bolswert 1586 - Antwerp, 1659) in collaboration with Anthony van Dyck (Antwerp, 1559 - London, 1641) as part of his Iconographie series of engraved portraits of famous people at the time. The plate has been marked in the lower left of the plate "Ant. Van Dyck pinxcit," and beneath that "S.a Bolswert fculp" and in the lower right of the plate "Cum privilegio." Beneath the engraved portrait is the inscription: JOANNES BAPTISTA BARBE | CALCOGRAPHVS ANTVERPIAE.
DOCUMENTED AND ILLUSTRATED IN:

1) Mauquoy-Hendrickx. L'Iconographie d'Antoine Van Dyck: Catalogue Raisonne I. Bruxelles: Bibliotheque Royale Albert I, 1991. Listed as catalogue no. 20 on pg. 120.

2) Mauquoy-Hendrickx. L'Iconographie d'Antoine Van Dyck: Catalogue Raisonne II. Bruxelles: Bibliotheque Royale Albert I, 1991. Illustrated as catalogue no. 20 on pg. 19.

3) A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

ABOUT THE FRAMING:
Framed to archival museum grade conservation standards, this piece is framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.