An Aristocratic Genoese 1626

Anthony van Dyck painted this portrait of an unknown Genoese aristocrat with oil on canvas. This was the era of the grand manner, when the wealthy could present themselves as powerful and imposing figures. Here, the dark fabric of the sitter’s garments is rendered with great attention to its materiality. Observe the way Van Dyck uses layers of paint to evoke the heavy drape and texture of the aristocrat’s cloak, which speaks to the subject’s wealth and status. Note also the finely painted ruff and cuffs. These crisp, delicate textiles draw attention to the sitter's face and hands, and were produced by skilled lacemakers, demonstrating their luxury and labor intensity. Van Dyck’s technique isn't only about representing material wealth, it is an engagement with the labor that produces wealth and status. In understanding the materials and processes involved, we see how deeply intertwined art and labor truly are.