Artwork

Edward VI

Edward VI, by Michel Corneille, ink, 1675
Edward VI, by Michel Corneille, ink, 1675

Edward VI is an ink print by the Baroque artist Michel Corneille. It dates from 1675 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1675 engraving by Michel Corneille portrays a youthful figure adorned in luxurious attire, conveying nobility or royalty through symbols of power and opulent dress.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a young man, is depicted with a book in his left hand and his right hand resting on a sword, juxtaposing intellectual and martial attributes. The opulent fur-trimmed coat and hat suggest a high social status, likely nobility or royalty.

Technique & Style

The engraving showcases meticulous detail through intricate lines and shading, achieving a sense of volume. Cross-hatching creates a textured, realistic effect, enhancing the overall depth and dimensionality against a subtly nuanced dark background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1675 by Michel Corneille, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

The work reflects 17th-century European portraiture conventions, emphasizing the subject's status through attire and attributes. The balance of intellectual (book) and military (sword) symbols may allude to the ideal of a well-rounded noble or royal figure.

Legacy

The engraving's impact or influence on subsequent art is not specified in the given details, focusing instead on its technical and stylistic attributes.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.