Artwork
John Goodhand Holt
John Goodhand Holt is an ink print by the Baroque artist David Loggan. It dates from 1660 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
David Loggan’s 1660 engraving presents John Goodhand Holt in a formal, black‑and‑white portrait. The sitter is depicted with tightly curled hair, a high‑collared dark coat with ruffled cuffs, and a decorative chain. His hands are joined, his gaze directed forward, and a calm expression settles on his face. The image is set within an ornamental border and topped by a heraldic coat of arms.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait celebrates Holt’s intellectual reputation; a handwritten poem beneath the image praises the brightness of his mind as reflected in his features. The inclusion of the coat of arms underscores his social standing, while the composed pose and serene expression convey a sense of learned dignity typical of seventeenth‑century portraiture.
Technique & Style
Loggan employed traditional copper‑plate engraving, incising lines into metal to achieve fine tonal variation. The work’s stark monochrome palette, precise hatching, and detailed rendering of fabric and hair exemplify the meticulous craftsmanship of the period. The decorative border and scripted inscription complement the central image, integrating text and image in a unified composition.
History & Provenance
Created in 1660, the print was likely commissioned to commemorate Holt’s achievements and to circulate his likeness among peers. As a work by Loggan, a noted portrait engraver of the English Restoration, it reflects the artist’s broader output of civic and scholarly portraits, though specific ownership records for this particular impression remain limited.
Artist & collection
