A law in Holland now forbids the removal of a “Rembrandt” from that country. His countrymen feel that no honor is too high to bestow on the memory of that unfortunate artist who in 1669 died unrecognized and was buried by charity.
PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, NO. 28, SERIAL NO. 28
MARIA RUTHVEN. By Van Dyck
THE WIFE IN ART
Anthony Van Dyck and Maria Ruthven
FIVE
Anthony Van Dyck’s marriage might be called one of convenience. He married Maria Ruthven because King Charles I, of England, wishing him to settle down, decided on a wife for him. The courtly painter was a spendthrift. He loved company and entertainment, was handsome, refined, well dressed, and, all things considered, a thorough gentleman. He attracted to his society the greatest of English nobility. Gossip had him in love with so many of the court ladies that the king, fearing his portrait painter would get into serious difficulties, determined once for all to save him by a marriage with a Scottish beauty in the queen’s retinue.
Van Dyck offered no objection. The lady, Maria Ruthven, was young and very beautiful. Although she brought no dowry except that given by royal generosity, she was considered a very good match for the artist, who came of burgher stock. Maria’s family was related to the Stuarts; but had been for a long time in disgrace. Van Dyck’s only claim to distinction was his art.