Sir Anthony Van Dyck

1599-1641
Portrait of Sir William Killigrew
1638

Oil on canvas
1065 x 833 mm
Accepted by HM government in lieu of Inheritance Tax with additional payment made with assistance from the Patrons of British Art, Christopher Ondaatje and the National Art Collections Fund 2002 T07896

The acquisition of these companion portraits by Tate was an extraordinary coup. The painting of Sir William Killigrew entered the Collection in 2oo2. At the time the location of the portrait of Lady Killigrew was unknown. However, in January 2003 it appeared unexpectedly at auction in New York. Tate was fortunate to be able to acquire it too. Reunited after at least 150 years apart, they are the only pendant pair of van Dyck husband and wife portraits from his British period in a British public gallery.