Artwork
William Estius, Catholic Priest
William Estius, Catholic Priest is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Martin Baes. It dates from 1614 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Martin Baes created the engraving 'William Estius, Catholic Priest' in 1614, portraying the subject in a formal, religious context.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts William Estius, a Catholic priest, dressed in a cloak and tall hat, holding a book. His direct gaze engages the viewer, while the crest in the top-right corner, bearing a bird and the phrase 'Soli Deo Gloria' (Glory to God Alone), reinforces the religious theme.
Technique & Style
The work is an example of engraving, a printmaking technique where designs are cut into metal plates to produce images. For details on the engraving process, see the technique's definition.
History & Provenance
Created in 1614 by Martin Baes, specific details about the engraving's ownership history or exhibitions are not provided.
Context
The formal attire and religious symbols place the portrait within a 17th-century Catholic clerical context, reflecting the subject's profession and the artist's attention to detail in portraying religious figures.
Artist & collection
