Charles I in Three Positions

Why it's great

Anthony van Dyck painted the face of King Charles I from three sides in 1635 so that the sculptor Bernini in Rome could carve a bust of the king from the picture. It is one of the most famous portraits of an English king.

🏛️ Part of history

The English Civil War (1642–1688) — Anthony van Dyck painted the face of King Charles I from three sides in 1635 so that the sculptor Bernini in Rome could carve a bust of the king from the picture.

Where to see it

📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.

Hang it on your wall

⬇ Hi-res download 5,076 × 4,252 px · 21.6 megapixels · prints up to about 17 × 14 inches at 300 dpi File page & license ↗

Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:

💵 Budget Etsy ↗ Posters and simple prints from small sellers, usually the lowest prices. 🖼️ Mid-range Fine Art America ↗ Good printing on paper, canvas or metal, made to order, with framing options. 🏛️ High-end Meisterdrucke ↗ Museum-grade giclée prints on archival paper or canvas, the closest to the real thing.

These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.

About the artist

Anthony van Dyck

1599–1641 · born in Antwerp · died in Blackfriars

Anthony van Dyck was a Flemish painter born in Antwerp in 1599. He was Rubens's most gifted assistant, traveled to Italy, and in 1632 moved to London as court painter to King Charles I, where he set the style for English portraits. He died in London in 1641 at the age of 42.