Who painted Sir Francis Vere?

Sir Francis Vere was painted by William Faithorne in 1657.

Where can I see Sir Francis Vere?

Sir Francis Vere is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Sir Francis Vere?

Sir Francis Vere is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Sir Francis Vere

William Faithorne , 1657

Sir Francis Vere is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Faithorne. It dates from 1657 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

William Faithorne’s 1657 engraving presents Sir Francis Vere in a formal half‑length portrait. Rendered in monochrome, the figure is shown with a ruffled collar, dark attire, and a composed, slightly averted gaze. The composition is framed by an ornamental inscription above and a straightforward label below, identifying the sitter.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts Sir Francis Vere, a noted English military commander of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The sober expression and restrained pose convey the dignified bearing expected of a veteran leader, while the decorative motto above, *Medio Et Tempore*, suggests a reflection on the passage of time or a personal maxim.

Technique & Style

Faithorne employed the engraving process, incising fine lines into a copper plate to achieve subtle gradations of tone. The delicate hatching creates the illusion of depth in the face and the folds of the collar, while the crisp, linear rendering of the lettering demonstrates the printmaker’s control over both portraiture and typographic elements.

History & Provenance

Created in 1657, the print belongs to the later period of Faithorne’s career, when he was established as a leading English engraver. It likely circulated among collectors interested in portraiture of prominent military figures, serving both as a commemorative image and as a demonstration of Faithorne’s skill in rendering likenesses.

Context

Portrait engravings of this type were common in mid‑17th‑century England, providing a reproducible means of disseminating the images of notable individuals. Faithorne’s work aligns with contemporary trends that favored restrained realism and careful attention to facial features, distinguishing it from the more elaborate, allegorical prints of earlier decades.