Gonzales Coques (1614–1684): A Flemish Master Echoing Van Dyck Gonzales Coques, born in Antwerp around 1614 – though the precise date remains shrouded in some mystery, estimates typically place it between December 8th and 1618 – was a pivotal figure in the flourishing world of Flemish Baroque painting. He earned his enduring reputation as “the little Van Dyck,” a moniker bestowed upon him for his remarkable ability to capture the essence of Anthony van Dyck’s style and technique, transforming mere imitation into a deeply resonant artistic expression. Coques wasn't simply copying; he was abso…