Anthony van Dyck

Sir Anthony van Dyck (22 March 1599 – 9 December 1641) was a Flemish Baroque artist. He was the leading court painter in England in the early 17th century. He is most famous for his portraits of Charles I of England and his family and court. His style of portrait painting was followed in England for the next 150 years. He also painted biblical and mythological subjects.

Self Portrait With a Sunflower showing the gold collar and medal King Charles I gave him in 1633. The sunflower may represent the king, or royal patronage.