DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62939#0395
ANTHONY VAN DYCK.
379
39. Portrait of Venetia, Countess of Digby, represented
in nearly a front view, attired in a dark green silk vest, and
a pale crimson robe of various hues, supported on the shoulder
by a gold belt; she is seated near a bank, with her left hand
on a dove, and a serpent on her right, the former being an
emblem of her conjugal fidelity and attachment, and the lat-
ter of her prudence. Two cupids, one of which is blindfolded,
are prostrate at her feet, and a figure denoting calumny lies
bound by her side, and three angels hover above, holding a
wreath over her head. The allegory alludes to the purity of
her character, and her triumph over the scandal of her ene-
mies. See note to description, No. 221, Vol. m.: for size read,
About 6 st. 6 by 5 st. 1.—C.
In the Royal Collection, St. James’s Palace.
40. Portrait of a Gentleman about thirty years of age, of
a round formed countenance, seen in a three-quarter view,
with black hair and mustachios. He is habited in a suit of
black figured silk, and a full white ruff, and appears to have
just risen from a chair, still resting his hand on its elbow.
4/7. by 3 st.—C.
In the Royal Collection.
41. Portrait of Madame St. Croix, when about twenty-
eight years of age, of a fair complexion, and brown hair,
bushy at the sides and combed smoothly down on the forehead.
She is attired in a buff-coloured silk vest, with yellow spots,
and a black velvet robe relieved by a rich point lace neckerchief
and ruffles, and the bosom is adorned with two rows of pearls
attached to a bow of red ribands. She is in the act of ad-
vancing up a step, putting at the same time a yellow damask
curtain aside with her right hand, and raising the skirt of her
robe with the other. A little dog is playfully bounding at
379
39. Portrait of Venetia, Countess of Digby, represented
in nearly a front view, attired in a dark green silk vest, and
a pale crimson robe of various hues, supported on the shoulder
by a gold belt; she is seated near a bank, with her left hand
on a dove, and a serpent on her right, the former being an
emblem of her conjugal fidelity and attachment, and the lat-
ter of her prudence. Two cupids, one of which is blindfolded,
are prostrate at her feet, and a figure denoting calumny lies
bound by her side, and three angels hover above, holding a
wreath over her head. The allegory alludes to the purity of
her character, and her triumph over the scandal of her ene-
mies. See note to description, No. 221, Vol. m.: for size read,
About 6 st. 6 by 5 st. 1.—C.
In the Royal Collection, St. James’s Palace.
40. Portrait of a Gentleman about thirty years of age, of
a round formed countenance, seen in a three-quarter view,
with black hair and mustachios. He is habited in a suit of
black figured silk, and a full white ruff, and appears to have
just risen from a chair, still resting his hand on its elbow.
4/7. by 3 st.—C.
In the Royal Collection.
41. Portrait of Madame St. Croix, when about twenty-
eight years of age, of a fair complexion, and brown hair,
bushy at the sides and combed smoothly down on the forehead.
She is attired in a buff-coloured silk vest, with yellow spots,
and a black velvet robe relieved by a rich point lace neckerchief
and ruffles, and the bosom is adorned with two rows of pearls
attached to a bow of red ribands. She is in the act of ad-
vancing up a step, putting at the same time a yellow damask
curtain aside with her right hand, and raising the skirt of her
robe with the other. A little dog is playfully bounding at