Anthony van Dyck was a prominent Flemish painter born in 1599 in Antwerp, Belgium. He is best known for his portraits, which capture the elegance and personality of his subjects. Van Dyck became the leading court painter in England, where he created works for King Charles I and other members of the royal family. His style is characterized by rich colors, dramatic lighting, and a sense of movement. Van Dyck's influence on portrait painting is significant, as he helped to elevate the genre and inspired many artists, including Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough, in the 18th century.