Artwork
Title Page for The Golden Scepter, by John Preston
Title Page for The Golden Scepter, by John Preston is an ink print by the Baroque artist George Glover. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Title Page for The Golden Scepter is a 1638 engraving by George Glover, serving as the title page for John Preston's book of the same name. The composition is divided into four distinct scenes, each featuring figures in dramatic poses, accompanied by central text identifying the book, its author, and a referenced Bible verse.
Subject & Meaning
The four scenes appear to narrate a story rooted in biblical or ecclesiastical history. Interpretations of the specific scenes include: a figure receiving an offering, a king receiving a scepter, a gathering around a table (possibly a Last Supper allusion), and a woman with a book accompanied by a kneeling man, suggesting themes of devotion, authority, and spiritual guidance.
Technique & Style
The engraving utilizes simple, expressive lines and nuanced shading techniques to achieve depth and visual interest across the composition, characteristic of early 17th-century engraving practices.
History & Provenance
Created in 1638 by George Glover for John Preston's *The Golden Scepter*, specific details on its production context, original reception, and subsequent ownership history are not provided in the available information.
Context
This work reflects the religious and literary climate of 17th-century England, where illustrated title pages in religious texts were common, serving both aesthetic and explanatory purposes. The use of biblical references aligns with the prevalent religious themes in literature of the time.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts or notable recognitions of this particular engraving are not detailed, it contributes to the broader historical record of 17th-century English book illustration and the artistic practices of its time.
Artist & collection
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