Gonzales Coques (1614–1684): The Little Van Dyck Gonzales Coques, originally known as Cockx, was a pivotal figure in the flourishing Flemish Baroque art scene of the 17th century. He earned the enduring moniker “the little Van Dyck” – a testament to his remarkable ability to emulate and subtly transform the style of Anthony van Dyck’s work. Born around 1614 in Antwerp, though precise birthdates remain somewhat elusive (estimates typically place it between December 8th and 1618), Coques rose to prominence as both a portraitist and a history painter, quickly establishing himself as one of the…