Van Dyck was born at Antwerp, where in 1615 he entered Rubens' Academy and remained there until 1620. During his time at the academy he paid a short visit to England and in 1621 travelled to Italy. On his return to Antwerp in 1626 he became famous and in 1682 Charles II invited him to return to England where he was knighted. He became England's favourite painter and in 1640 travelled to Paris in the hope of a royal commission, but was disappointed and returned to England.

Also known as Weneeslas von Pracha