Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641)
Jan Wildens, ca. 1627–32
Black chalk, light and dark gray and brown washes; incised for transfer
9 1/8 × 7 7/8 in. (23.3 × 20 cm)
The British Museum, London
The painter Jan Wildens, who was also active as an art dealer, specialized in wooded landscapes. He is known for collaborating on the backgrounds of other artists’ works, notably those of Peter Paul Rubens and possibly Van Dyck as well. In this drawing, the initial sketch in black chalk is finished with large areas of wash in order to model the figure. The outlines are incised for transfer onto the copper plate, which was engraved by Paulus Pontius, likely without the mediation of a grisaille on panel.