A Life in Portraiture Born in Holland in 1729, Peter Vandyke eventually found his way to England, a move that would define his professional life. He arrived in the country at the invitation of Sir Joshua Reynolds, taking on the task of assisting with the painting of draperies and other detailed elements of larger works. This period of collaboration allowed him to refine his hand within the circles of established English art. He eventually moved away from the shadow of his mentor, settling in Bristol, where he established himself as a dedicated portrait-painter. His presence in the art world w…