Who painted Sir Francis Walsingham?

Sir Francis Walsingham was painted by Magdalena van de Passe in 1620.

Where can I see Sir Francis Walsingham?

Sir Francis Walsingham is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Sir Francis Walsingham?

Sir Francis Walsingham is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Sir Francis Walsingham

Magdalena van de Passe , 1620

Sir Francis Walsingham 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 Sir Francis Walsacre in a formal portrait. The figure is rendered in a tight, circular frame, his gaze directed straight toward the viewer, emphasizing his status. The composition combines a richly detailed costume with a restrained background, typical of early‑17th‑century portrait prints.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Sir Francis Walsacre, a notable English statesman, dressed in contemporary attire: a ruffled collar, a broad‑brimmed hat, and a buttoned doublet. The direct stare and the inclusion of an inscription circle suggest an intention to convey authority and personal identity, aligning the sitter’s public role with the visual conventions of portraiture.

Technique & Style

Van de Passe employs fine, parallel lines to model the facial features and textile textures, creating a subtle chiaroscuro effect without the use of shading washes. The engraving’s linear precision highlights the intricate lace of the collar and the sheen of the jacket, reflecting the meticulous draftsmanship characteristic of the Dutch and Flemish print workshops of the period.

History & Provenance

Created in 1620, the print is part of Magdalena van de Passe’s oeuvre, produced in the family’s workshop in Cologne. The work circulated among collectors of English political portraiture and later entered museum collections, where it serves as a documentary record of both Walsacre’s appearance and the early modern print market.