Statue of Antoine Van Dyck

The statue of Anthony Van Dyck, a tribute to a son of Antwerp

On the Meir, an elegant statue pays tribute to Anthony Van Dyck, one of the greatest painters born in Antwerp. His gaze turned to the sky, in fine period dress, he watches over the great shopping street. The Antwerp audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this baroque master, a pupil and rival of Rubens.

A baroque master born in Antwerp

Anthony Van Dyck, born in Antwerp in 1599 and died in 1641, was one of the greatest portraitists of his time. Close to Rubens, he had an international career, notably in England, while remaining attached to his native city, where he returned to paint many masterpieces. The statue, raised on the Meir, celebrates the memory of this son of the land who became a glory of European painting.

What to see

The statue, finely sculpted, represents the painter in period dress, in an elegant pose. Set on the Meir, it is discovered while shopping and invites you to remember the rich artistic past of Antwerp, the city of Rubens and Van Dyck. It is a brief but significant stop, linking art to the daily life of the city.

Practical information

The statue of Anthony Van Dyck lies on the Meir, in the centre of Antwerp, reachable on foot and by metro. It is an open-air work, freely visible at all times, with no ticket office. On the level, it is discovered during a walk along the great shopping street.

Who was Anthony Van Dyck?

A great baroque painter born in Antwerp in 1599, close to Rubens, famous for his portraits; the statue on the Meir pays tribute to him.

Where is the Van Dyck statue?

On the Meir, the great shopping street of central Antwerp, where you can admire it while strolling.