LX429A, Christmas, 1971

Anthony van Dyck (Antonis van Dijck), 1599-1641.

Apart from Rubens, the greatest Flemish painter of the 17th century.

He was born on the 23rd of March, 1599 in Antwerp, 7th child in the family of a well-to-do silk merchant Frans van Dyck. In 1609, after the early death of his mother, at the age of 10, he began his apprenticeship with Hendrick van Balen in his native Antwerp and he was exceptionally precocious. He did not become a master in the painters' guild until 1618. The two years he spent with Rubens were decisive and Rubens's influence upon his painting is unmistakable, although van Dyck's style was always less energetic.

Date of issue: 20 December 1970

Design: after a painting by Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641)

Engraving: Jean de Vos

Printing & editor: Rodan, Brussels

Size engraving: 41.5 x 33.5 mm.

Circulation: limited edition between 400 and 700*

* These etching where printed on a double folded mould-made paper sheet, on the inside the Christmas wishes were written or printed (see underneath an example). Some people kept the left side of this card, which made the “luxury sheet”; it goes without saying that the majority many were lost or damaged in the mail.

LX429A. Imperforated luxury sheet, violet. 100F

Etching on mould-made paper.

There are no variations or curiosities known for none of the above shown material.