Artwork

John Rainolds, President of Corpus College Osford, and Dean of Lincoln

John Rainolds, President of Corpus College Osford, and Dean of Lincoln 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.

About this work

Overview

This 1620 copper engraving, executed by Magdalena van de Passe, portrays John Rainolds, who held the offices of President of Corpus College, Oxford, and Dean of Lincoln. Rendered in black and white, the print presents Rainolds in a formal pose, his gaze directed outward, emphasizing his scholarly stature.

Subject & Meaning

Rainolds is shown with a full beard, ruffled collar, and a flowing cloak, his right hand supporting an open book while the left rests upon it. The inclusion of the volume underscores his reputation as a theologian and academic leader, while his solemn expression conveys the gravitas associated with his ecclesiastical and educational roles.

Technique & Style

Van de Passe employs the dense cross‑hatching typical of early Baroque printmaking to model facial features and fabric textures. The subtle gradations of tone achieved through fine line work create a sense of depth against a plain, lightly textured wall, highlighting the figure without decorative distraction.

History & Provenance

Created in the early seventeenth century, the engraving was likely intended for distribution among academic and clerical circles to commemorate Rainolds’ appointments. Surviving copies are found in several European print collections, reflecting the period’s practice of circulating portrait prints as both documentary records and symbols of institutional prestige.