Head Study of a Young Moor

Rubens’ style was imitated by many 17th-century artists, who devoted themselves to large-scale ecclesiastical commissions. Gaspar de Crayer, a Brussels master who settled in Ghent in 1664, was one of the most talented members of this group. A series of his paintings can be seen in local churches. De Crayer’s best work is marked by the grandeur of its composition. Although he lacked Rubens’ drive, he made up for it somewhat with his refined modelling and soft palette, and never descended into the tedium of most Rubens imitators.