Oil sketch of a Magistrate of Brussels after Anthony van Dyck

This framed oil sketch by André Romijn, inspired by Anthony van Dyck's portrayal of a Brussels magistrate, is a striking homage to the Flemish master. Romijn captures the essence of Van Dyck's style through his expressive brushwork and the keen observation of light and shadow.

The magistrate's face is rendered with a sense of vitality and character. The eyes are particularly striking, providing a window into the magistrate's personality, suggesting intelligence and perhaps a measure of shrewdness. Romijn's use of light to model the face brings out the texture of the beard and the softness of the ruff, which was a common element in the attire of the 17th-century European nobility and officials.

The colour palette is subdued, relying on earthy tones that are enlivened by the warm flesh tones and the white of the ruff. The background is understated, allowing the viewer's focus to remain firmly on the magistrate himself. The play of light across the subject's face creates a sense of depth, making the figure appear to emerge from the canvas.

Framed in a dark, antique-style frame that complements the historical subject matter, the painting bridges the gap between the present and the past, allowing modern viewers to connect with a bygone era through Romijn's contemporary lens.

Overall, Romijn's oil sketch pays a respectful tribute to van Dyck's artistry, demonstrating a deep understanding of the Old Master's technique, while also asserting his own artistic voice in the rendering of historical figures.