Who painted Hugh Latimer?

Hugh Latimer was painted by George Gifford in 1630.

Where can I see Hugh Latimer?

Hugh Latimer is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Hugh Latimer?

Hugh Latimer is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Hugh Latimer

George Gifford , 1630

Hugh Latimer is an ink print by the Renaissance artist George Gifford. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

George Gifford’s 1630 engraving presents the 16th‑century reformer Hugh Latimer. Rendered in monochrome, the image shows an elderly figure with a flowing white beard and curled hair, dressed in a dark clerical robe. He is seated before a simple wooden frame, one hand supporting an open volume while the other gestures toward the text, his expression composed yet solemn.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait emphasizes Latimer’s role as a preacher and scholar, underscored by the prominent book and his pointing finger, suggesting instruction or proclamation. The calm demeanor conveys authority tempered by humility, reflecting the reformer’s reputation for earnest yet measured discourse during the English Reformation.

Technique & Style

Gifford employs fine cross‑hatching to model the folds of the robe, the texture of the beard, and the subtle shadows that give depth to the figure. The linear precision of the engraving creates a clear, almost documentary quality, while the restrained background focuses attention on the sitter’s features and the illuminated text.

History & Provenance

Created in 1630, the print belongs to the early Stuart period, a time when portrait engravings served both devotional and commemorative purposes. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the work has been catalogued among Gifford’s religious series, circulating among collectors of Reformation‑era imagery.