Portrait of Sir Thomas Chaloner

Flemish artist Anthony van Dyck painted this portrait of Sir Thomas Chaloner in 1637, one of his finest late works. The artist depicts Chaloner's aging face with notable psychological insight: flaccid skin, flushed cheeks, but penetrating light eyes that convey an active and temperamental character. The energetic turn of the head and slightly pursed lips suggest a man of strong convictions.

Chaloner proved to be an unusual figure in English history. A member of the Long Parliament, he actively opposed royal power. In 1648, he became one of the judges who signed the death warrant of King Charles I. After the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy, Chaloner was forced into exile and died in Holland.

Van Dyck worked carefully on the face and hands, using delicate brushstrokes to capture every detail. By contrast, he rendered the wavy hair and black silk cloak with sketchy freedom, letting patches of light play across the fabric. This nearly monochromatic palette focuses attention on the sitter's striking face.

The State Hermitage Museum acquired this portrait in 1779 from the Walpole collection at Houghton Hall, England. Van Dyck died in 1641, just four years after completing this work, having served as the leading court painter in England after earlier success in Flanders and Italy.