Artwork
John Thompson, Navigator
John Thompson, Navigator is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Marshall. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The tiny text at the bottom says *"Ingenio, non Stato Sapientia acquiritur"*—which roughly means "Wisdom is gained by wit, not by state.
This is a black-and-white portrait of a man with curly hair and a serious expression. He’s wearing a ruffled collar and a high-necked coat with buttons down the front. Around his head is a decorative frame with swirls and small drawings of ships and people.
The tiny text at the bottom says *"Ingenio, non Stato Sapientia acquiritur"*—which roughly means "Wisdom is gained by wit, not by state." The year 1645 is tucked inside the frame, too.
If you like this style, look up engraving to see how artists carved these detailed lines.
Overview
John Thompson, Navigator is a print engraved by William Marshall in 1645. It is a black-and-white portrait of a man within a decorative frame.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a curly-haired man with a serious expression, wearing 17th-century attire. The inscription 'Ingenio, non Stato Sapientia acquiritur' ('Wisdom is gained by wit, not by state') suggests the subject values intelligence over social status.
Technique & Style
The engraving features intricate details, including a decorative frame with swirling patterns and small images of ships and people. The level of detail achieved through engraving techniques is evident in the texture of the subject's clothing and the frame's ornamentation.
Artist & collection
