Artwork

Henrici VIII Angliae, Franciae et Hiberniam Rex (King Henry VIII)

Henrici VIII Angliae, Franciae et Hiberniam Rex (King Henry VIII), by Francis Delaram, ink, 1608
Henrici VIII Angliae, Franciae et Hiberniam Rex (King Henry VIII), by Francis Delaram, ink, 1608

Henrici VIII Angliae, Franciae et Hiberniam Rex (King Henry VIII) is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Francis Delaram. It dates from 1608 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Henrici VIII Angliae, Franciae et Hiberniam Rex is a 1608 engraving by Francis Delaram, portraying King Henry VIII in formal attire, surrounded by ornate elements and inscriptions highlighting his titles and virtues.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving captures King Henry VIII with a serious, stern expression and a neatly trimmed beard, adorned in 16th-century regalia including a ruffled collar, chainmail, and sword, conveying an image of power and authority.

Technique & Style

Delaram employed fine lines to achieve detailed textures and shadows, particularly in the rendering of fabric and metal. The work exhibits Flemish influence, notably in the decorative border featuring cherubs, though the background lacks the precision of the central figure.

History & Provenance

Francis Delaram, an English engraver of probable Flemish origin, created this work in 1608. Active from at least 1615 to 1624, Delaram's oeuvre includes portraits, landscapes, and illustrations, such as those for William Camden’s *Historie*.

Context

This engraving reflects the artistic and cultural exchange between England and Flemish regions during the early 17th century, blending traditional Flemish decorative motifs with English portraiture conventions.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of *Henrici VIII Angliae, Franciae et Hiberniam Rex* are not prominently documented, it contributes to the broader legacy of Delaram’s contributions to English engraving and historical illustration of the period.

Artist & collection

Artist

Francis Delaram

Francis Delaram (born around 1590, fl. 1615–1624 or 1627), was an English engraver. Delaram left a substantial collection of engraved portraits, landscapes and book illustrations (specifically, William Camden's…

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