Who painted Robert Cecil, First Earl of Salisbury?

Robert Cecil, First Earl of Salisbury was painted by Magdalena van de Passe in 1620.

Where can I see Robert Cecil, First Earl of Salisbury?

Robert Cecil, First Earl of Salisbury is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Robert Cecil, First Earl of Salisbury?

Robert Cecil, First Earl of Salisbury is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Robert Cecil, First Earl of Salisbury

Magdalena van de Passe , 1620

Robert Cecil, First Earl of Salisbury 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

Magdalena van de Passe’s 1620 engraving presents Robert Cecil, the first Earl of Salisbury, in a formal portrait. Rendered in monochrome, the image shows the statesman with a short haircut, a neatly trimmed beard, and a stiff ruff collar. His steady gaze meets the viewer, while his name appears in a curved inscription above his head, set against an unadorned background.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait commemorates Cecil’s political stature during the early Stuart period, emphasizing his dignified bearing and authority. The restrained composition, with the sitter’s direct stare and sober attire, reflects the conventions of elite portraiture intended to convey reliability and governance, rather than personal intimacy.

Technique & Style

Executed by engraving, the work relies on fine, repetitive incisions that build tonal variation across the face and garments. The Latin motto framing the portrait and the delicate hatching create a textured surface, characteristic of van de Passe’s meticulous approach to line work and her adherence to the Northern European print tradition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1620, the print was likely produced for distribution among Cecil’s political allies and family. Copies of the engraving have surfaced in several European collections, indicating its circulation among the learned and aristocratic circles of the time, though the original plate’s whereabouts remain undocumented.