Who painted George Wither?

George Wither was painted by William Hole in 1613.

Where can I see George Wither?

George Wither is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is George Wither?

George Wither is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

George Wither

William Hole , 1613

George Wither is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Hole. It dates from 1613 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

William Hole’s 1613 engraving presents the poet George Wither in a formal pose. Rendered in black ink, the print shows Wither wearing a stiff, lace‑trimmed collar and a ruffled shirt, his hand clasping a scroll and a bundle of papers. A curved banner arches above his head, bearing the phrases “Grow I grow” and “Withers Sva.” The composition balances portraiture with textual elements.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait emphasizes Wither’s literary identity, as indicated by the scroll and accompanying verses that praise his work.

The portrait emphasizes Wither’s literary identity, as indicated by the scroll and accompanying verses that praise his work. The calm, measured expression suggests a dignified self‑presentation, while the banner’s motto alludes to growth and personal legacy, themes recurrent in Wither’s poetry. The inclusion of his name in Latinized form underscores the humanist conventions of early‑modern portraiture.

Technique & Style

Hole employs fine cross‑hatching to model the face, collar, and fabric, creating subtle gradations of tone through intersecting lines. The delicate shading conveys the texture of lace and the sheen of the ruffled shirt. The engraving’s linear precision and controlled use of negative space reflect the technical standards of early 17th‑century English printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1613, the print was likely issued to commemorate Wither’s rising reputation as a poet and pamphleteer. While the original plate’s ownership record is sparse, surviving impressions have appeared in collections of early modern English portrait prints, indicating the work’s circulation among literary and artistic circles of the period.