The Family of Jan-Baptista Anthoine

This is a family portrait which grants precedence to the wife, who sits enthroned on her husband’s right hand, surrounded by her children. Coques learned something crucial from Rubens and van Dyck – how to paint the glow of health. The children here have an engaging, spirited and graceful energy, which provides an animated counterpart to the fine things – the silk, the lace and the marble.