Charles I and Anthony van Dyck portraiture : images of authority and masculinity
Date
2013
Authors
Lawrence, Clinton Martin Norman
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of History, c2013
Abstract
This thesis is an examination of Charles I of England’s projection of kingship
through Sir Anthony van Dyck portraits during his personal rule. These portraits provide
important insight into Charles’ vision of kingship because they were commissioned by
the king and displayed at court, revealing that his kingship rested on complementary
ideals of traditional kingship in addition to divine right. In this thesis, Charles’ van Dyck
portraits are studied in the context of seventeenth-century ideals of paterfamilias, knight,
and gentleman. These ideals provide important cultural narratives which were seen to be
reflective of legitimacy, power, and masculinity, which in turn gave legitimacy to
Charles’ kingship. The system of values and ideals represented in Charles’ portraits
reveal that his vision of kingship was complex and nuanced, demonstrating that divine
right was just one aspect of many, upon which his kingship was premised.
Description
viii, 164 leaves : [18] leaves of color plates ; 29 cm
Keywords
Charles I, King of England, 1600-1649 -- In art , Charles I, King of England, 1600-1649 -- Portraits , Kings and rulers in art , Masculinity -- England -- History -- 17th century , Sex role -- England -- History -- 17th century , Chivalry -- England , Monarchy -- Great Britain -- History -- 17th century , Great Britain -- History -- Charles I, 1625-1649 , Dissertations, Academic