Sir Anthony Van Dyck was a Flemish Baroque artist who is best known for his portraits of European nobility and royalty. He was a highly influential portrait painter and was particularly sought after by the English court, where he became the leading court painter to King Charles I. Van Dyck's portraits are characterized by their elegance, sophistication, and attention to detail, and he is considered one of the most important portrait painters of the 17th century. His work had a significant impact on the development of portraiture in Europe and his influence can still be seen in the art world today.