Named in memory of the Flemish painter Anthony Van Dijck (Van Dyck or Vandyke; 1599–1641), after Rubens the most prolific painter of the seventeenth century. His work embraces portraits of the European aristocracy, depictions of religious subjects and paintings of enchanting mythological stories. In contrast to Rubens, the lights and shades of Van Dijck are more abrupt, the figures less harmoniously proportioned and their expressions exaggerated. In 1632 Van Dijck was appointed court painter of king Charles I of England and was knighted the same year. His style influenced the great English portrait painters of the eighteenth century. (M 34627) _ _.