Masterpieces in Focus from the Royal Collection
Sir Anthony van Dyck, Triple Portrait of Charles I

Posted: 15th January 2018

An ongoing partnership with Royal Collection Trust brings the first ever masterpiece by Sir Anthony van Dyck to Hull. The Triple portrait of Charles I, 1635 – 1636, portrays the king seen from three viewpoints. Each portrait is painted with different patterned lace collars and coloured clothing. The unusual format chosen for the painting was due to its proposed use as a reference work for the Italian sculptor Bernini to create a marble bust of Charles I.

The Triple portrait of Charles I marks the second of five exceptional Royal Collection Trust loans secured for the Ferens between 2017 and 2021.