Artwork
William Barclay
William Barclay is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Karel van Mallery. It dates from 1603 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The print 'William Barclay' is an engraving created by Karel van Mallery in 1603. It is a portrait of a bearded man, surrounded by family crests and a Latin inscription.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts William Barclay, a figure from the period. The Latin phrase 'Dominus Protector Vitae Meae' (Lord Protector of My Life) and the surrounding family crests suggest his importance and highlight his family's history and status.
Technique & Style
The print is a product of the Northern Renaissance tradition of printmaking. Engraving, the technique used, involves carving designs onto a metal plate to produce detailed prints. The resulting image is a black-and-white portrait with a round border and plain background.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karel van Mallery (1571–1635?) was a Flemish engraver who mainly worked on religious subjects and portraits and was also a reproductive engraver. He worked in Antwerp and Paris.
