Artwork

Sir Nicholas Caren of Beddington

Sir Nicholas Caren of Beddington, by John Faber II, ink, 1723
Sir Nicholas Caren of Beddington, by John Faber II, ink, 1723

Sir Nicholas Caren of Beddington is an ink print by the Baroque artist John Faber II. It dates from 1723 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Sir Nicholas Caren of Beddington is a 1723 mezzotint print by John Faber II, portraying a gentleman in formal, ornate attire.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Sir Nicholas Caren, is depicted in a manner conveying wealth and status, emphasized by his lavish clothing, sword, and an unidentified small object in his hand, suggesting a narrative of nobility and prestige.

Technique & Style

Executed in mezzotint, the print utilizes strong contrasts to achieve a sense of depth and highlight the subject's opulent dress against a dark, subdued background, leveraging chiaroscuro effects for dramatic impact.

History & Provenance

Created in 1723 by John Faber II, specific details on the print's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided in the available information.

Context

Reflecting the artistic and social trends of its time, the work combines the emerging mezzotint technique with the prevalent practice of portraying aristocracy in grand, symbolic attire during the early 18th century.

Legacy

While the broader impact or notable exhibitions of 'Sir Nicholas Caren of Beddington' are not detailed here, it remains a characteristic example of early 18th-century mezzotint portraiture and aristocratic representation.

Artist & collection

Artist

John Faber II

John Faber II (1723–1723) was an artist.

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