Anthony van Dyck, Maria Clara de Croiio (Marie-Claire de Croy), c. 1645 |
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| Artist: | Anthony van Dyck (1599 - 1641) |
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| Title: | Maria Clara de Croiio (Marie-Claire de Croy), c. 1645 |
| Medium: | Original Engraving |
| Image Size: | 10 5/16 in x 7 7/8 in (26.2 cm x 20 cm) |
| Sheet Size: | 10 3/4 in x 8 1/16 in (27.3 cm x 20.5 cm) |
| Framed Size: | 23 in x 19 3/4 in (58.4 cm x 50.2 cm) |
| Edition: | A Mauquoy-Hendrickx State I (of II), engraved by Conrad Waumans (Antwerp 1619 - ?) in collaboration with Anthony van Dyck (Antwerp, 1559 - London, 1641); printed on a fine paper with Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) Crowned Shield watermark (Mauquoy-Hendrickx no. 278), dating the piece to c. 1645-55. |
| Signature: | Signed in the plate 'Ant. van Dyck pinxcit' in the lower left; also signed 'C?nraerdus Waumans fculpsit' in the lower center. |
| Condition: | This work is in very good condition. Slight horizontal creasing on center reverse, not affecting the image from the front.center reverse, not affecting the image from the front. |
| ID # | w-3683 |
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A wonderfully detailed and charismatic portrait, this exquisite work illustrates the technical mastery and artistic vision of Van Dyck. Marie-Claire de Croy's stately yet approachable expression reflects Van Dyck's refined ability to comfort and relax his subjects, resulting in a realistic and acute portrait. De Croy was the second wife to Philippe Francois de Croy, Duke of Havré. Upon their marriage, she became the first Duchess of Croy. Van Dyck depicts de Croy in a manner worthy of royalty. She appears lovely and poised, donning an elaborate dress rich in ribbon, lace, and beads. Noteworthy of this portrait is the Duchess' left index finger that extends outside of the image to point at the text below, relaying the impression of mobility - as if the Duchess could almost step out from her own portrait.
This portrait is a Mauquoy-Hendrickx State I (of II), engraved by Conrad Waumans (Antwerp 1619 - ?) 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 "Antonius van Dyck pinxit" and in the lower center of the plate C?nraerdus Waumans fculpsit ' and in the lower right of the plate "Ioannes Meyfens." Beneath the engraved portrait is the inscription: MARIA CLARA DE CROIIO DVX HAVREANA CROYANAQ PRINCEPS STIIMPERII | SOUVERANEA ET BARONISSA FENESTRANGI? COMES FONTENOIIA ETC.
This piece is printed on a fine paper with the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) Crowned Shield watermark (Mauquoy-Hendrickx no. 278) dating the piece to c. 1645-55.
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. 149 on pg. 189.
2) Mauquoy-Hendrickx. L'Iconographie d'Antoine Van Dyck: Catalogue Raisonne II. Bruxelles: Bibliotheque Royale Albert I, 1991. Illustrated as catalogue no. 149 on pg. 91.
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.
