18/06/2022 - 12/11/2022

The Antwerp artist, Anthony Van Dyck (1599-1641) cherished his friendships and he did so by depicting his closest friends – other artists, merchants, collectors or musicians – in a portrait.

The painting of the Antwerp musician and composer Henricus Liberti (ca. 1610-1669) emerged during the 17th century. Liberti was active as a singer and organist at the Antwerp Cathedral for at least thirty years, but his portrait by Van Dyck has been away from his Antwerp home for a very long time. From Bear Stake Gallery to Euston Hall, the portrait has been in England for more than two and a half centuries. Eventually, it did make its way back to Antwerp through The Phoebus Foundation.

Admire the portrait until the 12th of November at Museum Vleeshuis!

Anthony Van Dyck, Portrait of Henricus Liberti, c. 1627-1632

Want to know more about the fascinating portrait of Henricus? Read our Phoebus Focus XXVII Portrait of Henricus Liberti, available in our online store!