Artwork
William Bates, D.D.
William Bates, D.D. is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Faithorne. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. William Bates, D.
About this work
Overview
William Bates, D.D. is a 1654 engraving by William Faithorne, portraying a solemn, curly-haired man in formal attire within an oval frame.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is William Bates, D.D., identified in Latin as 'Gulielmus Batesius', highlighting his scholarly and theological credentials as a professor of theology.
Technique & Style
The engraving features a plain oval background, contrasting with textured frame edges created by intricate tiny lines, characteristic of Faithorne's attention to detail.
History & Provenance
Created in 1654 by William Faithorne, the engraving's provenance details are not specified here, though the inclusion of Latin nomenclature suggests an audience familiar with academic traditions.
Context
The work reflects 17th-century portrait conventions for scholars, emphasizing dignity and profession through attire and expression.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Faithorne (1616–1691) was a British artist, born in Greater London.
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