Artwork
Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth is an ink print by the Baroque artist Dominicus Custos. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The print 'Queen Elizabeth' is an engraving on laid paper created by Dominicus Custos in 1600. It is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I of England, rendered in black and white.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts Queen Elizabeth I with symbols of her status, including a crown and the titles 'Queen of England' and 'Virgin Queen.' The portrait reflects the contemporary interest in representing royal figures through print media.
Technique & Style
Custos employed copperplate engraving techniques to achieve detailed textures and shading, creating a realistic representation of the queen's clothing and surroundings. The use of lines and shading conveys the intricate patterns on her dress and the folds of her collar.
History & Provenance
Dominicus Custos, a Flemish engraver active in Augsburg, was trained by his stepfather, Bartholomäus Kilian. Custos continued the family craft, later passing it to his son, David Custodis.
Artist & collection
Artist
Dominicus Custos (1560–1612) was a Flemish artist, printer and copperplate engraver, who worked in the service of Emperor Rudolph II in Prague.
