Who painted John Bale, Bishop of Ossory?

John Bale, Bishop of Ossory was painted by Magdalena van de Passe in 1620.

Where can I see John Bale, Bishop of Ossory?

John Bale, Bishop of Ossory is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is John Bale, Bishop of Ossory?

John Bale, Bishop of Ossory is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

John Bale, Bishop of Ossory

Magdalena van de Passe , 1620

John Bale, Bishop of Ossory is an ink print by the Baroque artist Magdalena van de Passe. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This 1620 copperplate engraving presents John Bale, the 16th‑century Bishop of Ossory, in a solemn, black‑and‑white portrait.

About this work

Overview

This 1620 copperplate engraving presents John Bale, the 16th‑century Bishop of Ossory, in a solemn, black‑and‑white portrait. The image shows an elderly cleric with a long beard, wearing a cap, and holding a folded document against his chest. The plain background isolates the figure, directing focus to his expressive face and hands.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures Bale’s ecclesiastical authority and scholarly reputation, suggested by the book‑like object he cradles, a common emblem of learning in portraiture. The Latin inscription *Ioannes Balævs* identifies the sitter, while the dignified pose underscores his role as a bishop and intellectual of the Reformation era.

Technique & Style

Executed by Magdalena van de Passe, a member of the prolific Dutch van de Passe family, the engraving employs fine line work and cross‑hatching to render texture and depth. The artist’s signature, abbreviated *Bvd*, reflects the period’s practice of concise monograms, and the print demonstrates the meticulous hand‑engraving methods that allowed for detailed facial features and subtle shading.

History & Provenance

Created in the early 17th century, the print likely served as a commemorative image for ecclesiastical or scholarly circles. Though the original plate’s whereabouts is uncertain, copies have circulated in collections of early modern prints, attesting to Magdalena van de Passe’s role in disseminating portraits of notable Protestant figures.