Van Dyck: A Collection of Fifteen Pictures and a Portrait of the Painter with Introduction and Interpretation

"Van Dyck: A Collection of Fifteen Pictures and a Portrait of the Painter" by Estelle M. Hurll is an art book written in the early 20th century. This collection focuses primarily on the life and artistic contributions of the famed portraitist Anthony Van Dyck, showcasing a selection of his works alongside a detailed portrait of the painter himself. The book addresses both Van Dyck's celebrated portraits as well as some of his lesser-known sacred pictures, aiming to provide readers with a deeper understanding of his art. The opening of the book introduces Van Dyck's reputation and influence during his lifetime, particularly highlighting the overshadowing fame of his portrait work. It outlines the book's intent to present a balanced view of his artistic range by featuring a variety of his paintings. Hurll begins with a preface that emphasizes the significance of Van Dyck's contributions to portraiture while acknowledging the less familiar aspects of his sacred art. As the pages progress, readers are invited to explore the historical context of his life and works, beginning with a discussion of his formative years under the influence of great masters, such as Rubens and Titian, and culminating in his role as a court painter in England.