Modern Visionaries: Van Dyck and the Artists' Eye
An exhibition featuring Sir Anthony Van Dyck's last self-portrait
![‘Self-portrait by Sir Anthony van Dyck, c.1640 © National Portrait Gallery, London’](https://d279tnhy9skgzk.cloudfront.net/Uz_nfu0y_QjyM0e6B1CqnzcUNIc=/720x323/filters:watermark(https://laingartgallery.org.uk/text-image-gen/Self-portrait+by+Sir+Anthony+van+Dyck+c1640+%28c%29+-++National+Portrait+Gallery+London+,0,0,0)/https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/atwam-images-files/production/images/content/laingartgallery/2016-11/103802.jpg)
Dates
Until 4 June 2017 (historic exhibition)
About
Inspired by the remarkably innovative style of Sir Anthony van Dyck's last self-portrait, acquired for the nation in 2014, this exhibition pairs the painting with stunning works by major artists of the 20th and 21st century.
Like Van Dyck's self-portrait, the selected works offer the viewer direct eye-contact with a visionary artist, from David Bomberg, Francis Bacon and L.S. Lowry, to Sarah Lucas, Chris Ofili, and Jane & Louise Wilson. Composed of loans from the National Portrait Gallery and works from the Laing's own collection, alongside a contemporary artist's commission, the exhibition asks what it means to confront these great artists face-to-face, exploring themes of genius, creativity and the artist's role in society.
Van Dyck's self-portrait was acquired by the National Portrait Gallery following a major public appeal with the Art Fund and thanks to the generous support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and others.
Find out more about Van Dyck’s nationwide tour.