Vandyke

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /vænˈdaɪk/

Definitions

1. A deep dark brown color used as a pigment or dye ; a style of facial hair featuring a pointed beard with a mustache ; a method of painting or drawing named after a famous artist that often uses dark tones
2. A rich dark brown shade often employed in art or fabric coloring ; a distinctive beard and mustache combination with sharp points ; a traditional artistic technique known for its dramatic use of brown hues
3. A dark brown coloring agent commonly found in paints or dyes ; a facial hair style consisting of a neatly trimmed pointed beard and mustache ; an artistic style associated with a historical painter notable for using strong contrasts and warm, dark browns

Etymology: Anthony van Dyck was a 17th-century Flemish painter who spent much of his career in England as court painter to Charles I. His portraits were famous for their elegant, sophisticated manner, and he often painted his sitters in rich, dark costumes. The color name comes from that association: the dark brown shade that appeared so often in his work took his name. The word is now mostly used for the shade itself, and it has spread into other senses. In fashion and grooming, a "Van Dyke" is a short pointed beard, usually paired with a moustache, which takes its name from the same painter. Dress and beard styles were often linked to his portraits, so the name stuck to the look as well as the colour.