Artwork
Prince Henry With the Pike
Prince Henry With the Pike is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Hole. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Prince Henry With the Pike is a 1612 engraving by the English artist William Hole. Executed as a print, the image presents a solitary figure in elaborate armor, grasping a long pole weapon. The composition is framed by a fallen helmet with a plume, emphasizing the martial theme and the figure’s readiness for combat.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is identified as Prince Henry, depicted in full regalia that underscores his noble status and military role. The ornate armor, wide belt, and decorated boots convey both wealth and the ceremonial aspects of early‑17th‑century aristocratic warfare, while the pike suggests a connection to contemporary battlefield tactics.
Technique & Style
Hole achieved a sense of volume through careful cross‑hatching and line work, allowing the metallic surfaces to appear three‑dimensional despite the medium’s limitations. The engraving’s fine stippling renders texture on the fabric and metal, while the contrast between dark shadows and lighter areas gives the composition depth and a tactile quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1612, the print belongs to a period when portrait engravings served both commemorative and propagandistic purposes. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work has been catalogued among Hole’s surviving prints and is held in several public collections that specialize in early modern British graphic art.
Artist & collection
