Who painted William Hodson?

William Hodson was painted by William Marshall in 1636.

Where can I see William Hodson?

William Hodson is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is William Hodson?

William Hodson is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

William Hodson

William Marshall , 1636

William Hodson is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Marshall. It dates from 1636 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

William Hodson, an engraving produced in 1636 by the English printmaker William Marshall, presents a half-length portrait of a gentleman. Rendered in fine line work, the image shows the sitter against a dark backdrop, highlighted by a lighter oval halo that frames his head.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is depicted with shoulder‑length, curled hair and a neatly trimmed mustache, wearing a lace‑edged collar and a buttoned jacket with a high, stiffened ruff. His gaze meets the viewer directly, and his composed, neutral expression suggests a formal representation typical of early‑seventeenth‑century portraiture.

Technique & Style

Marshall employs intricate cross‑hatching and delicate line modulation to achieve subtle tonal variations, especially in the rendering of facial features and fabric texture. The composition, with its dark field and illuminated oval behind the head, reflects the Baroque emphasis on chiaroscuro and dramatic focus on the individual.

History & Provenance

Created in 1636, the print belongs to a period when English engravers were increasingly adopting continental Baroque aesthetics. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is catalogued among Marshall’s known outputs and has been referenced in collections of early modern British prints.

Context

The engraving aligns with contemporary portrait practices that sought to convey status and personal identity through detailed attire and direct eye contact. Its stylistic affinities can be seen alongside the works of other Baroque portraitists, though Marshall’s medium remains print rather than oil.