Three handsome young men, portrayed by van Dyck, stand on the steps of an impressive building. They are known as “the Balbi children” because the painting was found in the collection of the wealthy Balbi family in Genoa. However, the identity of the youngsters is unknown. It has been suggested that they were members of the Franchi family because of the perched birds that appear on the Franchi’s coats. The children undoubtedly belong to a high-born family due to the gold and silver brocade clothing they are wearing, in comparison to Murillo’s popular scenes.
Collection: Images
Project: 4. Family, daily life and social inequality in Europe.
Chronology: XVII
Scope: Secondary Education, Baccalaureate, University
Link: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/anthony-van-dyck-the-balbi-children
Resource type: Image
Format: Oil on canvas (219 x 151 cm)
Source: National Gallery of London (Londres)
Language: English
Date: XVII
Owner: Álvaro Romero González (Modernalia)
Identifier: NG6502
Copyright: National Gallery of London (Londres)
Abstract: Portrait of the three young children of the Balbi family by van Dyck
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