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What was Anthony van Dyck’s Iconography series?

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van Dyck, Anthony — Anthony van Dyck *Self-Portrait*, oil on canvas by Anthony Van Dyck, c. 1620–21; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. 119.7 × 87.9 cm.

Anthony van Dyck’s Iconography is a celebrated series of portraits depicting prominent figures of his time, including princes, soldiers, scholars, art patrons, and fellow artists.1

Beginning around 1627 during his second period in Antwerp, van Dyck initiated this ambitious project with the intention of having the portraits engraved and published. The series consists of small monochrome portraits executed in oil and chalk.1

Key details regarding the production of the Iconography include:
* Etchings: Van Dyck personally etched at least 15 of the portraits in the series. Other sources note he completed 18 portraits for the set, though many were later retouched or reworked by professional engravers.12
* Publication: The complete series was first published in 1645–1646.1
* Scope: The project was envisioned as a collection of the 100 most famous men of his day.2

The Iconography remains a significant testament to van Dyck's skill as a portraitist and his contribution to 17th-century printmaking.12